Extraction of organic products from plant and animal materials

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates, according to disclosed embodiments, to a system for extracting an organic compound from a natural source, the system comprising a computer processor operational to control the system; a storage vessel configured to store an extraction gas, the storage vessel comprising a storage vessel outlet in electrical communication with the computer processor; a valve in electrical communication with the computer processor, the valve comprising a valve inlet and a valve outlet, wherein the valve inlet connects to the storage vessel outlet; a dynamic extraction vessel; and a spray evaporation loop system configured to receive a solute from the dynamic extraction vessel, the spray evaporation loop system comprising an injection nozzle in electrical communication with the computer processor, the injection nozzle comprising an injection nozzle inlet connected to the first dynamic extraction vessel outlet; and a cyclonic separator in electrical communication with the computer processor.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/891,250 filed on Feb. 7, 2018, all of which is incorporated herein byreference in entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates, in disclosed embodiments, to systems andmethods for extracting organic products from plant and animal materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Extraction of substances from plants, animals, or other source materialsmay be an important part of a process used in producing or formulatingpharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or compositions that may be used forother desirable applications. Some desirable applications may include atreatment of illnesses, diseases, detrimental conditions, or the like.Extractions may be used to develop compositions, which may enhancephysical, mental, or emotional health and well being.

Many methods have been developed for extracting natural products fromsource materials. System components used in these methods of naturalproduct extraction may directly correlate to the efficiency (e.g.,yield) and selectivity (e.g., purity) of the extraction and isolationprocess. There is a need for extraction systems that may be used toproduce ample quantities of desirably selected products with reducedimpurities.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a need has arisen for improved systems and methods forextracting an organic compound from a natural source. The presentdisclosure relates, according to disclosed embodiments, to a system forextracting an organic compound from a natural source, the systemcomprising: (a) a computer processor operational to control the system;(b) a storage vessel configured to store an extraction gas, the storagevessel comprising a storage vessel outlet, wherein the storage vesselmay be in electrical communication with the computer processor; (c) avalve in electrical communication with the computer processor, the valvecomprising a valve inlet and a valve outlet, wherein the valve inletconnects to the storage vessel outlet; (d) a dynamic extraction vesselcomprising: (i) a pressure vessel; (ii) an extraction chamberconcentrically contained within the pressure vessel, wherein theextraction chamber may comprise a textured interior surface configuredto agitate the natural source during an extraction process; (iii) aperforated drum configured to rotate about a principal axis of theperforated drum, wherein the perforated drum may be substantiallycylindrical in shape, and wherein the perforated drum may beconcentrically contained within the extraction chamber; (iv) a drumrotator in electrical communication with the computer processor; (v) afirst dynamic extraction vessel inlet connected to the valve outlet;(vi) a first dynamic extraction vessel outlet; (vii) a sensor formonitoring the extraction process; and (viii) a natural sourcereceptacle configured to receive the natural source; and (e) a sprayevaporation loop system configured to receive a solute from the dynamicextraction vessel, the spray evaporation loop system comprising: (i) aninjection nozzle in electrical communication with the computerprocessor, the injection nozzle comprising an injection nozzle inletconnected to the first dynamic extraction vessel outlet; (ii) a cyclonicseparator in electrical communication with the computer processor. Thesystem may comprise a computer processor interface for receiving thesensor signal and for receiving control signals from the computerprocessor; a chemical detection system; and a heat exchanger in thermalcommunication with the dynamic extraction vessel and the sprayevaporation loop, wherein the heat exchanger may be configured tocondense the extraction gas, volatilize an extraction gas, or acombination thereof; and a cleaning system in fluid communication withthe dynamic extraction vessel and the spray evaporation loop system,wherein the cleaning system may comprise a cleaning solution supplytank, pressure sensors, chemical sensors, moisture sensors, temperaturesensors, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a method for extracting an organic compound from anatural source may comprise (a) charging a storage vessel with anextraction gas to form a charged extraction gas; (b) premixing thecharged extraction gas to form a premixed extraction gas; (c) combiningin a dynamic extraction vessel, the premixed extraction gas with thenatural source to form an extraction mixture, wherein the dynamicextraction vessel may comprise (i) a pressure vessel; (ii) an extractionchamber concentrically contained within the pressure vessel; (iii) aperforated drum configured to rotate about a principal axis of theperforated drum, wherein the perforated drum may be substantiallycylindrical in shape, and wherein the perforated drum may beconcentrically contained within the extraction chamber; (iv) a drumrotator; (v) a first dynamic extraction vessel inlet connected to thevalve outlet; (vi) a first dynamic extraction vessel outlet; (vii) asensor for monitoring the extraction process; and (viii) a naturalsource receptacle configured to receive the natural source; (d) rotatingthe perforated drum containing the extraction mixture to form a spentnatural source and a solute, wherein the solute may comprise an organiccompound and at least a portion of the premixed extraction gas; (e)separating the solute from the spent natural source to form a separatedsolute and a separated spent natural source; (f) recovering at least aportion of the extraction gas from the solute to form a recoveredextraction gas and a dried organic compound, wherein the dried organiccompound may be substantially free of the extraction gas; and (g)recycling the recovered extraction gas to form a recycled extractiongas. The method may comprise heating the extraction mixture at atemperature from about 0° C. to about 200° C. The method may comprisesonicating the extraction mixture.

According to some embodiments, a storage vessel may be configured tostore the extraction gas in a liquid state, wherein the extraction gasmay be in a gaseous state at a pressure of about 14.6 psig and at atemperature of about 20° C. A dynamic extraction vessel may beconfigured to receive the extraction gas in a phase comprising a gaseousphase, a liquid phase, a supercritical fluid phase, or a combinationthereof. An extraction chamber may comprise a textured interior surfaceconfigured to agitate the natural source during an extraction process. Atextured interior surface may comprise scalloped interior surface. Adynamic extraction vessel may comprise a acoustic transducer, whereinthe acoustic transducer may be configured to operate at an ultrasonicfrequency of greater than about 20 kHz. A perforated drum may comprise avane. The vane may comprise a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, a steel,a micro-alloy steel, a steel alloy, or a combination thereof. Aperforated drum may comprise a filtering layer, wherein the filteringlayer may comprise a polymer, a polypropylene, a metal, a metal alloy, asteel, a micro-alloy steel, a steel alloy, a titanium, a nickel alloy,or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a filtering layer further may comprise a thicknessfrom about 0.01 cm to about 1.4 cm. A drum rotator may be configured topermit the perforated drum to rotate about the principal axis at anangular velocity comprising from about 10 revolutions per minute toabout 400 revolutions per minute. The drum rotator may comprise a motor,a servo motor, an internal combustion motor, a gear motor, a switchreluctance motor, a hybrid stepper motor, an electrical motor, ahydraulically powered motor, a magnetic motor, a permanent magnet DCmotor, a torque motor, a cage and wound rotor induction motor, anelectrically excited motor, an ironless or coreless rotor motor, a brushDC motor, a synchronous AC motor, an induction AC motor, a single phaseAC motor, a three phase AC motor, a brushless DC motor, or a combinationthereof. The drum rotator may comprise a hydraulic pump, an accumulatortank, and a pressure sensor. The perforated drum may comprise an insidediameter from about 0.4 m to about 4 m, an outside diameter from about0.41 m to about 4.2 m, and a length from about 0.1 m to about 8 m.

According to some embodiments, a dynamic extraction vessel may furthercomprise a temperature adjusting means comprising a passive thermalcontrol system, an active thermal control system, a condenser, a chillerloop, or a combination thereof. A pressure vessel may comprise aturbulent boundary layer enhancement device, wherein the turbulentboundary layer enhancement device may be configured to transfer heatfrom a wall of the pressure vessel to a wall of the perforated drum. Acomputer processor may comprise a cloud based controlling system, aprogrammable logic controller, a feedback control system, an on-offcontrol system, a linear control system, a fuzzy logic control system,or a combination thereof. The computer processor may comprise aprogrammable processing unit, a memory, a random-access memory, anetwork interface controller, a motherboard, an input device, and anoutput device, wherein the processor may be configured to monitor andcontrol the system for extracting the organic compound from the naturalsource.

In some embodiments, a chemical detection system may comprise anultra-violet-visible-near infrared spectrometer, a fourier transforminfrared spectrometer, a time of flight mass spectrometer, a singlequadruple mass spectrometer, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometryinstrument, a high-performance liquid chromatograph, a gaschromatograph, a high-performance liquid chromatography massspectrometer, or a combination thereof. A natural source may be a plantselected from the group consisting of Piper spp., Cannabis spp., Salviaspp., Banisteriopsis spp., Psychotria spp., Diplopterys spp., Peganumspp., and Humulus spp. A natural source may be a plant selected from thegroup consisting of Cannabis Sativa, Banisteriopsis caapi, Psychotriaviridis, Diplopterys cabrerana, Peganum harmala, and Humulus lupulus.

According to some embodiments, an extraction gas may comprise achlorofluorocarbon, a chlorofluoroolefin, a hydrlchlorofluorocarbon, ahydrochlorofluoroolefin, a hydrofluorocarbon, a hydrofluoroolefin, aperfluorocarbon, a perchlorocarbon, a hydrocarbon, a haloalkane, or acombination thereof. The chlorofluorocarbon may be selected from thegroup consisting of trichlorofluoromethane, dichloro difluoromethane,chloro trifluoromethane, dichloro fluoromethane, chloro difluoromethane,chlorofluoromethane, pentachlorofluoroethane,1,1,2,2-tetrachloro-1,2-difluoroethane,1,1,1,2-tetrachloro-2,2-difluoroethane,1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane,1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane, 1,2-dichloro tetrafluoro ethane,1,1-dichloro tetrafluoro ethane, chloro pentafluoroethane,1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptachloro-3-fluoropropane, hexachlorodifluoropropane,1,1,1,3,3-pentachloro-2,2,3-trifluoropropane,1,2,2,3-tetrachloro-1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropane,1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane,1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane,1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane,1-chloro-1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane,dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane, and chloroheptafluorocyclobutane. Theether may be selected from the group consisting of dimethyl ether,methyl ethyl ether, methyl n-propyl ether, methyl isopropyl ether,methyl-n-butyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyltert-butyl ether, furan, and tetrahydrofuran. A hydrocarbon may beselected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, propane, butane,pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, ethene, ethyne,propene, propyne, butene, butyne, pentene, and pentyne. Thehydrofluorocarbon may comprise trifluoromethane, difluoromethane,fluoromethane, pentafluoroethane, pentafluorodimethyl ether,1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane,bis(difluoromethyl)ether, 1,1,2-trifluoroethane, 1,1,1-trifluoroethane,methyltrifluoromethyl ether, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methyl ether,1,2-difluoroethane, 1,1-difluoroethane, fluoroethane,1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, trifluoromethyl1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane,trifluoromethyl 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether,1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane,1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane, 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl difluoromethylether, hexafluoropropane, pentafluoropropane, and1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Disclosed embodiments of the disclosure may be understood by referring,in part, to the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for extracting organic products according toa specific example embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIGS. 2-2F illustrate a process flow diagram for a system for extractingorganic products according to a specific example embodiment of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates, in disclosed embodiments, to methods andsystems for extracting organic products from a natural source. A naturalsource may comprise a plant material, an animal material, or acombination thereof. Compositions derived or otherwise extracted fromsource materials such as plants or animals may be used advantageously totreat illnesses, diseases, and detrimental conditions. Derivedcompositions may also help impart physical, mental, or emotionalenhancements. In disclosed embodiments, plant materials may includeterrestrial plants comprising shrubs, trees, roots, or berries; aquaticplants comprising ferns, algae, seaweeds, caltrops, or rice; epiphytescomprising mosses, liverworts, or lichens; and lithophytes comprisingnepenthes, rock ferns, algae and liverworts. Compositions may also bederived from bacteria or fungi (e.g., yeasts and molds). Animalmaterials may include venoms, pheromones, bodily fluids, milks, organs,oils, and tissues derived from animals.

According to disclosed embodiments, methods and systems for extractingorganic products from plant or animal materials may selectively extractorganic products from the plant or animal materials. Extracting mayinclude separating a desirable organic product or product mixture from aplant or animal material. Selectively extracting may include isolating adesirable organic product or a defined mixture of organic products froma plant or animal material, wherein the desirable organic product ordefined mixture of organic products is desirably pure. An extract thatis desirably pure may not require additional purification steps (e.g.,chromatography or recrystallization) to reach a desirably purity.

Plants

In disclosed embodiments, methods and systems for extracting organicproducts may extract the organic products from plants. Plants maycomprise terrestrial plants, aquatic plants, epiphytes, and lithophytes.Plants may comprise a Piper methysticum, a Cannabis spp., a Salvia spp.,a Banisteriopsis caapi, a Psychotria viridis (chacruna), an Echinaceaspp, a Diplopterys cabrerana, a Peganum harmala, a Humulus lupulus, or acombination thereof. Cannabis spp. may comprise Cannabis sativa. Indisclosed embodiments, a plant may comprise an Echinacea purpurea, anEchinacea angustifolia, an Acmella oleracea, a Helichrysumumbraculigerum, a Radula marginata, or a combination thereof. In anotherembodiment the plant may be an Echinacea spp.

Extracts

The present disclosure relates, according to disclosed embodiments, tomethods and systems for extracting organic products from a naturalsource. Organic products may comprise small molecules, primarymetabolites, secondary metabolites, tertiary metabolites, metabolites,amino acids, fatty acids, proteins, phospholipids, carbohydrates,nucleobases, terpenes, terpenoids, porphins, porphyrins, steroids,carotenoids, vitamins, hormones, alkaloids, aromatic oils, essentialoils, oils, heterocycles, aromatics, cannabinoids, or combinationsthereof. An organic compound may comprise a biologically activecompound, a biologically inactive compound, or a compound whereinbiological activity is unknown.

In disclosed embodiments, an organic product may comprise a terpene, ahumulone, a lupulone, a myrcene, a humulene, a caryophyllene, analkaloid, a flavonoid, a cannabinoid, a menthol, a capsaicin, an anise,a camphor, a kavalactone, a salvorin, a prenylflavonoid, or combinationsthereof. According to disclosed embodiments, an organic compound may bea tetrahydrocannabinol, a cannabidiol, a cannabinol, or a combinationthereof. An organic compound may also be a cannabigerol, acannabichromene, a cannabicyclol, a cannabivarin, atetrahydrocannabivarin, a cannabidivarin, a cannabichromevarin, acannabigerovarin, a cannabigerol monomethyl ether, atetrahydrocannbinolic acid, a cannabidiolic acid, or a combinationthereof.

Extraction Gas

The present disclosure relates, according to disclosed embodiments, toan extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108). An extraction gas may comprise achlorofluorocarbon, a chlorofluoroolefin, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, anether, a hydrochlorofluoroolefin, a hydrofluorocarbon, ahydrofluoroolefin, a perfluorocarbon, a perchlorocarbon, a haloalkane,hydrocarbon, or a combination thereof. An extraction gas may desirablyextract or separate an organic compound from a plant or animal material.An extraction gas may further selectively extract an organic compoundfrom a plant or an animal material. Varying the composition of theextraction gas may adjust extraction gas/solvent characteristicscomprising polarity, vapor pressure, density, dielectric constant,boiling point, or combinations thereof. For example, an extraction gascomposition comprising mostly halogenated solvents may have a higherdensity than a corresponding extraction gas comprising mostlyhydrocarbons. The composition of an extraction gas may be constantthroughout an extraction process or may be changed during an extractionprocess. The composition of an extraction gas may be tuned or adjustedto target an extraction of specific organic compounds or definablecompound mixtures for a natural source.

A hydrofluorocarbon may comprise trifluoromethane (R-23),difluoromethane (R-32), fluoromethane (R-41), pentafluoroethane (R-125),pentafluorodimethyl ether (R-E125), 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134),1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), bis(difluoromethyl)ether (R-E134),1,1,2-trifluoroethane (R-143), 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a),methyltrifluoromethyl ether (R-143m), 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methyl ether(R-E143a), 1,2-difluoroethane (R-152), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a),fluoroethane (R=161), 1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ca),trifluoromethyl 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether (R-227ca2),1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ea), trifluoromethyl1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether (R-227me), 1,1,1,2,2,3-hexafluoropropane(R-236cb), 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236ea),1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-236fa), 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyldifluoromethyl ether (R-236me), hexafluoropropane (R-FE-36),pentafluoropropane (R-245cb), 1,1,2,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245ea), ora combination thereof. A hydrofluorocarbon may be1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. A hydrofluorocarbon may be used as ahalogenated extraction gas or solvent that desirably does not harm theozone layer or contributes less harm to the ozone layer than otherrefrigerant gases. In disclosed embodiments, the hydrofluorocarbon maycomprise a uniquely polar fluorine-carbon bond, which may providedesirable small molecule extraction properties.

In disclosed embodiments, a chlorofluorocarbon may comprisetrichlorofluoromethane (R-11), dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12),chlorotrifluoromethane (R-13), dichlorofluoromethane (R-21),chlorodifluoromethane (R-22), chlorofluoromethane (R-31),pentachlorofluoroethane (R-111), 1,1,2,2-tetrachloro-1,2-difluoroethane(R-112), 1,1,1,2-tetrachloro-2,2-difluoroethane (R-112a),1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (R-113),1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (R-113a),1,2-dichlorotetrafluoroethane (R-114), 1,1-dichlorotetrafluoroethane(R-114a), chloropentafluoroethane (R-(115),1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptachloro-3-fluoropropane (R-211),hexachlorodifluoropropane (R-212),1,1,1,3,3-pentachloro-2,2,3-trifluoropropane (R-213),1,2,2,3-tetrachloro-1,1,3,3-tetrafluoropropane (R214),1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R215),1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-216),1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (R-216ca),1-chloro-1,1,2,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-217),dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane (R-C316), chloroheptafluorocyclobutane(R-C317), or combinations thereof.

An ether may comprise dimethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, methyln-propyl ether, methyl isopropyl ether, methyl-n-butyl ether, diethylether, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl tert-butyl ether, furan,tetrahydrofuran, or combinations thereof. The ether may contribute apolar component of an extraction gas. A hydrocarbon may comprisemethane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, octane,nonane, decane, ethene, ethyne, propene, propyne, butene, butyne,pentene, pentyne, or combinations thereof. The hydrocarbon maycontribute a non-polar component of the extraction gas.

Systems for Extracting Organic Compounds

The present disclosure relates, according to disclosed embodiments, tosystems for extracting organic compounds from a natural source. A system(e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) for extracting organic compounds from anatural source may comprise a primary tank system (e.g., FIG. 1, 101), astorage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202), a dynamic extractionvessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215), a spray evaporation loop system(e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270), a gas dryer system (e.g., FIG. 1, 180;FIG. 2, 280), a product collection vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 175; FIG. 2,275), a compressor (e.g., FIG. 1, 176; FIG. 2, 276), a condenser (e.g.,FIG. 1, 181; FIG. 2, 281), a boiler system (e.g., FIG. 2, 290), anintermediate storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 2, 254), a sensor system, acomputer processor, and a cleaning system. The components of the system,may comprise various configurations, wherein the components aremechanically interconnected or connected in fluid, gaseous, or solidcommunication with other components of the system in differentarrangements.

According to disclosed embodiments, a system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2,200) may comprise a primary tank system comprising a primary tank (e.g.,FIG. 1, 103), wherein an outlet of the primary tank may be connected toan inlet of a valve manifold (e.g., FIG. 1, 104). An outlet of the valvemanifold may connect to an inlet of a valve (e.g., FIG. 1, 106) thatconnects to an inlet of a storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102). The valvemay regulate the flow of a primary extraction gas from a primary tank(e.g., FIG. 1, 103) to a storage vessel. The primary tank system maydesirably permit quantities primary extraction gases or solvents to bemixed in desirable ratios and at desirable quantities to form anextraction gas. A primary tank system may comprise pressure or chemicalsensors, which may provide data to a computer processor that may bestored by the computer processor in a computer-readable medium. Thecomputer processor may comprise a cloud based controlling system, aprogrammable logic controller, a feedback control system, an on-offcontrol system, a linear control system, a fuzzy logic control system,or a combination thereof. The computer processor may control the primarytank system mixing ratios or rates instantaneously or throughcomputer-readable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium.

An outlet of a storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102) comprising anextraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) may be connected to an inlet of a gasdryer system (e.g., FIG. 1, 180; FIG. 2, 280) and a dynamic extractionvessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215). For example, an outlet of thestorage vessel may connect to a valve, which may connect to an inlet ofthe dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115), wherein the valve mayregulate the flow of an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) from thestorage vessel to the dynamic extraction vessel. A flow sensor or apressure sensor may detect flow rates at pressures of the extraction gasand provide data thereon that may be stored by and processed a computerprocessor in a computer-readable medium. The computer processor maycontrol the flow rates or pressures of the extraction gasinstantaneously or through computer-readable instructions stored in thecomputer-readable medium.

In disclosed embodiments, a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1,115; FIG. 2, 215) may comprise an extraction chamber (e.g., FIG. 1,110), a natural source, a pressure vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 112), a drumrotator (e.g., FIG. 1, 130), a temperature adjusting control element,and a perforated drum (e.g., FIG. 1, 114). In the extraction chamber, anatural source may be contacted with the extraction gas to produce asolute, wherein the solute comprises an organic compound and at least aportion of the premixed extraction gas. An outlet of the dynamicextraction vessel may connect to an inlet of a spray evaporation loopsystem (e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270), a boiler system (e.g., FIG. 2,290), or an intermediate storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 2, 254). The sprayevaporation loop system, may be configured to receive the solute fromthe dynamic extraction vessel. A delivery pump (e.g., FIG. 1, 182) maycontrol the flow of the solute from the dynamic extraction vessel, tothe spray evaporation loop system or an intermediate storage vessel(e.g., FIG. 2, 254). A delivery pump may comprise a progressive cavitypump, a rotary lobe pump, a gear pump, or combinations thereof. Anoutlet of the intermediate storage vessel may connect to an injectionnozzle (e.g., FIG. 2, 271) of the spray evaporation loop system. Adelivery pump (e.g., progressive cavity pump) (e.g., FIG. 2, 255) mayregulate the flow of an output from the intermediate storage vessel toan injection nozzle of the spray evaporation loop system.

According to disclosed embodiments, a spray evaporation loop system(e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270), may comprise a injection nozzle (e.g.,FIG. 2, 271), a flash drum (e.g., FIG. 2, 276), a cyclonic separator(e.g., FIG. 2, 272), at least one filter (e.g., FIG. 2, 273), a blower(e.g., FIG. 2, 274), and a heat exchanger (e.g., FIG. 2, 277). The flashdrum may be configured to receive a solute spray from the injectionnozzle, wherein the flash drum may feed the solute to the cyclonicseparator. The solute may be obtained in a relatively pure form from theunderflow outlet of the cyclonic separator. The loop of the sprayevaporation loop system, may comprise a flash drum, connected to thecyclonic separator, which may be connected to a filter, which may beconnected to a blower, which may be connected to a heat exchanger, whichmay be connected back to the flash drum. In disclosed embodiments, theheat exchanger may connect to a boiler system (e.g., FIG. 2, 290),wherein the heat exchanger may be configured to receive heat from aboiler system. An outlet of a cyclonic separator may be connected to aninlet of the product collection vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 175; FIG. 2, 275),wherein the product collection vessel is configured to receive anorganic compound from the cyclonic separator. The organic compound maybe substantially free from an extraction gas. The product collectionvessel, may connect to a gas dryer system (e.g., FIG. 1, 180; FIG. 2,280) and a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215). A2-way solenoid valve (e.g., FIG. 2, 251) or a 3-way solenoid valve(e.g., FIG. 2, 253) may regulate flow of an extraction gas (e.g., FIG.1, 108) from the product collection vessel, wherein residual extractiongas may be removed from the organic product.

In disclosed embodiments, a system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) forextracting organic compounds from a natural source may comprise a boilersystem (e.g., FIG. 2, 290). The boiler system may connect to a heatingjacket of a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215)and a spray evaporation loop system (e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270)through a heat loop. The heat loop may provide heat or exchange heatwith the dynamic extraction vessel or the spray evaporation loop system.The boiler system may comprise a loop of a boiler (e.g., FIG. 2, 291)connected to a pressure relief valve (e.g., FIG. 2, 292), which may beconnected to a site gauge (e.g., FIG. 2, 293), which may be connected toa y-strainer (e.g., FIG. 2, 294), which may be connected to a de-aerator(e.g., FIG. 2, 296), which may be connected to a water storage tank(e.g., FIG. 2, 297), which may connect back to the boiler.

According to disclosed embodiments, a system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2,200) for extracting organic compounds from a natural source may comprisea gas dryer system (e.g., FIG. 1, 180; FIG. 2, 280), wherein an outletof the gas dryer system is connected to an inlet of a compressor (e.g.,FIG. 1, 176; FIG. 2, 276), wherein the flow may be regulated by a vacuumpump (e.g., FIG. 1, 150). A gas dryer system may comprise a desiccantassembly (e.g., FIG. 2, 261) comprising a desiccant packed tower (e.g.,column) comprising a desiccant. An outlet of a compressor (e.g., FIG. 1,176) may connect to an inlet system (e.g., FIG. 1, 160) of a dynamicextraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215) or an inlet of acondenser (e.g., FIG. 1, 181; FIG. 2, 281). An outlet of the condenser,may connect to an inlet of a storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2,202), an inlet of the dynamic extraction vessel, an inlet of the gasdryer system, or a combination thereof. The condenser may connect to achiller through the chiller loop.

In disclosed embodiments, a system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) maycomprise a cleaning solution supply tank (e.g., FIG. 1, 107) comprisinga cleaning solution, wherein an outlet of the cleaning solution supplytank may be connected to an inlet of a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g.,FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215). A cleaning solution supply pump (e.g., FIG.1, 109) may regulate the flow of the cleaning solution from the cleaningsolution supply tank (e.g., FIG. 1, 107) to the dynamic extractionvessel.

Storage Vessel

A system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) for extracting organiccompounds from a natural source may comprise a storage vessel (e.g.,FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202). The storage vessel may be configured as areservoir for an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) or an extractionliquid. The storage vessel may be configured to store an extraction gasin a liquid state, wherein the extraction gas is in a gaseous state at apressure of about 14.6 psig and at a temperature of about 20° C. Thestorage vessel may be configured to store an extraction gas in a phase,the phase comprising a gas, a liquid, a supercritical fluid, or acombination thereof. The storage vessel may be configured to store anextraction gas as a compressed gas (e.g., liquefied gas), anon-liquefied gas, or a dissolved gas. The dissolved gas may comprise agas dissolved in solvent or a gas dissolved in another gas. In disclosedembodiments, the storage vessel may be configured to maintain a pressurewherein a chemical may be in a liquid state at the pressure, and whereinthe chemical may be in a gaseous state at a pressure of about 14.6 psigand at a temperature of about 20° C. The storage vessel may comprisevolume sensors, chemical sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors,or a combination thereof, wherein the sensors may obtain data that maybe stored by a computer processor in a computer-readable medium. Thecomputer processor may be configured to control the pressure, extractiongas composition, and extraction gas volume of the pressure vesselinstantaneously or through computer-readable instructions stored in thecomputer-readable medium.

A storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202) may be connected toand be configured to receive an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) froma primary tank system (e.g., FIG. 1, 101), a condenser (e.g., FIG. 1,181; FIG. 2, 281), a gas dryer system (e.g., FIG. 1, 180; FIG. 2, 280),a spray evaporation loop system (e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270), adynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215), or acombination thereof.

A primary tank system (e.g., FIG. 1, 101) may comprise a primary tank(e.g., FIG. 1, 103), a valve manifold (e.g., FIG. 1, 104), and a valve(e.g., FIG. 1, 106). The primary tank system (e.g., FIG. 1, 101) mayprovide an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) to a storage vessel (e.g.,FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202). The extraction gas may comprise a combinationof primary extraction gases, wherein the primary extraction gases may beprovided by or stored in the primary tank. The valve manifold may feedthe primary gas from the primary tank through a valve to the storagevessel. According to disclosed embodiments, a system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100;FIG. 2, 200) may comprise the primary tank system comprising primary theprimary tank, wherein an outlet of the primary tank may be connected toan inlet of the valve manifold. An outlet of the valve manifold mayconnect to an inlet of a valve (e.g., FIG. 1, 106) that connects to aninlet of the storage vessel. The valve may regulate the flow of theprimary extraction gas from a primary tank to the storage vessel. Thevalve manifold may comprise a Coriolis-type mass flowmeter, a dutycycle-controlled proportioning valve, or a combination thereof. Indisclosed embodiments, the valve manifold may combine or premix morethan one primary extraction gases in various ratios and then provide thecombined primary extraction gases as an extraction gas to the storagevessel. Premixing the primary extraction gas may desirably enableproportioning of mixtures of the extraction gas in a dynamicequilibrium, the dynamic equilibrium comprising concentration, state,pressure, temperature, or combinations thereof. The primary extractiongas may comprise a chlorofluorocarbon, a chlorofluoroolefin, ahydrlchlorofluorocarbon, an ether, a hydrochlorofluoroolefin, ahydrofluorocarbon, a hydrofluoroolefin, a perfluorocarbon, aperchlorocarbon, a haloalkane, a hydrocarbon, or a combination thereof.

A storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202) may comprise a steel,a stainless steel, a metal alloy, a micro-alloy metal, a polymer (e.g.,polytetrafluoroethylene), a composite (e.g., fiberglass, epoxy resin,carbon fiber) or a combination thereof. The storage vessel may comprisean inner liner. An inner liner may comprise a stainless steel, a metalalloy, a micro-alloy metal, a polymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene),or a combination thereof. The storage vessel comprising a liner maydesirably maintain a purity, an integrity, or an identity of anextraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108).

A storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202) may be configured tooperate in batch or in flow. The storage vessel may comprise a volumefrom about 1 mL to about 10 mL, or from about 10 mL to about 100 mL, orfrom about 100 mL to about 1 L, or from about 1 L to about 100 L, orfrom about 100 L to about 1000 L, or from about 1000 L to about 10,000L, or from about 10,000 L to about 100,000 L. The storage vessel (e.g.,FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202) may be configured for a bench top scale, apilot plant scale, or a plant scale. The storage vessel may comprise acapacity to hold a volume of an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108),wherein the storage vessel may be used for an extraction cycle.

A storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202) may be configured toprovide an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) to a dynamic extractionvessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215) at a pressure from about 15pounds per square inch gauge (psig) to about 4000 psig. The storagevessel may be configured to provide the extraction gas to the dynamicextraction vessel at a pressure from about 75 psig to about 250 psig.For example, the storage vessel may be configured to provide theextraction gas to the dynamic extraction vessel at a pressure comprisingabout 75 psig, or about 100 psig, or about 125 psig, or about 150 psig,or about 175 psig, or about 200 psig, or about 225 psig, or about 250psig. The outlet of a storage vessel comprising an extraction gas may beconnected to the dynamic extraction vessel. For example, an outlet ofthe storage vessel may connect to a valve, which may connect to an inletof the dynamic extraction vessel, wherein the valve may regulate theflow of an extraction gas from the storage vessel to the dynamicextraction vessel.

Dynamic Extraction Vessel

In disclosed embodiments, a system for extracting organic compounds froma natural source may comprise a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1,115; FIG. 2, 215). The dynamic extraction vessel may be configured toreceive the natural source. The dynamic extraction vessel may beconfigured to receive an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) in a phase,the phase comprising a gas, a liquid, a supercritical fluid, or acombination thereof. The dynamic extraction vessel may comprise anextraction chamber (e.g., FIG. 1, 110), wherein a natural source may becontacted with an extraction gas to produce a solute, wherein the solutecomprises an organic compound and at least a portion of the premixedextraction gas.

A dynamic extraction vessel may comprise (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2,215) a pressure vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 112) that concentrically containsan extraction chamber (e.g., FIG. 1, 110), which may be substantiallycylindrical in shape and a perforated drum (e.g., FIG. 1, 114), whereinthe perforated drum may be substantially cylindrical in shape. Theperforated drum may be concentrically contained within the extractionchamber, wherein the perforated drum and the extraction chamber arealigned about a principal axis 116. In disclosed embodiments, theperforated drum may be configured to spin about a principal axis,wherein the drum rotator may regulate the rotational velocity of theperforated drum.

A natural source may be dispensed into the inside of the perforated drum(e.g., FIG. 1, 114) through a pressure vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 112) as asolid, a liquid, a gas, or a combination thereof. For example a plantmatter may be dispensed whole or substantially homogenized (e.g.,crushed) into the inside of a perforated drum through an inlet (e.g.,door, hatch, or port) of the pressure vessel. Homogenizing the naturalsource may comprise grinding (e.g., tissue disruption with a mortar andpestle), shearing (e.g., applying tangential force with a blender),beating (e.g., striking with glass beads), and shocking (e.g., applyingan ultrasonic sound energy). In disclosed embodiments, the naturalsource may be solubilized and then dispensed into the inside of aperforated drum through an injection port. The natural source may bemilled by a mill. For example, a mill may comprise a ball mill, a rodmill, a pebble mill, a Buhrstone mill, a tower mill, an autogenous mill, an SAG mill, or a combination thereof. The natural source may alsobe solubilized with a solvent (e.g., methanol), adsorbed onto anadsorbent, (e.g., silica, clay, and alumina), optionally having thesolvent removed, and then introducing the adsorbed natural source intothe inside of the perforated drum. In disclosed embodiments, the naturalsource may be loaded into a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1,115; FIG. 2, 215) through a door of the pressure vessel. The naturalsource may be placed in a material chamber, wherein the material chambercontaining the natural source is placed inside the perforated drum. Oncethe natural source is loaded into a dynamic extraction vessel, a vacuumpump (e.g., FIG. 1, 117) may evacuate the atmosphere into an air removalvessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 119). In disclosed embodiments, the vacuum pumpmay reduce the pressure within the pressure vessel may be below about200 millitorr (mTorr), or below about 175 mTorr, or below about 150mTorr, or below about 125 mTorr, or below about 100 mTorr, or belowabout 75 mTorr, or below about 50 mTorr, or below about 25 mTorr.Pressure sensors may provide pressure and volume data for the pressurevessel that may be stored by a computer processor in a computer-readablemedium, wherein the computer processor may control the evacuation vacuumpump to recover gases. The computer processor may control the evacuationpump instantaneously or through computer-readable instructions stored inthe computer-readable medium.

A pressure vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 112) may comprise an evacuation vacuumpump (e.g., FIG. 1, 117) and an air removal vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 119).The evacuation vacuum pump may be configured to evacuate (e.g., exhaust)a pressure vessel. Evacuating a pressure vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 112) mayevacuate a charge of air, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, water, anextraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108), or combinations thereof, wherein theevacuation may be collected in an air removal vessel, vented outside ofthe system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200), vented into theenvironment, or a combination thereof. In disclosed embodiments, it maybe desirable to evacuate the pressure vessel before, during, or after amethod of extracting an organic compound from a natural source.Evacuating the pressure vessel may desirably permit penetration of theextraction gas into the natural source. Evacuating the pressure vesselmay desirably prevent degradation of the organic compound (e.g.,pharmaceutically active material) present in the natural source.Evacuating the pressure vessel may desirably prevent trapping ofnoncondensible gases into the condensed gas reservoir. In disclosedembodiments, the pressure vessel may comprise a recirculation pump(e.g., FIG. 1, 152). The recirculation pump may comprise a liquid pump,a gas pump, or a combination thereof. The liquid pump may permitrecirculation of the extraction gas through the pressure vessel.Recirculation may permit analysis of a sample by an instrumentation, theinstrumentation comprising an ultra-violet-visible-near infrared(UV-VIS-NIR) spectrometer, a fourier transform infrared (FTIR)spectrometer, a gas chromatograph (GC), a GC-mass spectrometry (MS), ahigh performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), an HPLC-MS, or acombination thereof. The computer processor may control flow rate of theextraction gas through the recirculation pump instantaneously or throughcomputer-readable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium.The computer process may also control sample analysis and manage dataprovided through analysis by the instrumentation. Data provided throughanalysis by the instrumentation may be stored by the computer processorin a computer-readable medium.

A pressure vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 112) may comprise a chamber surface.The chamber surface may comprise a turbulent boundary layer enhancementdevice, wherein the turbulent boundary layer enhancement device maydesirably transfer heat from a wall of a pressure vessel to a drum wall.The chamber surface may have circular divots, polygonal divots,hexagonal divots, or combinations thereof. Heat transfer may be bycontact to a tumbling extraction material. The desirable heat transferbetween a chamber surface of a pressure vessel, an extraction chamber(e.g., FIG. 1, 110), and the drum comprising a natural source and a wallcomprising vanes (e.g., FIG. 1, 140) may be desirably achieved bypermitting a narrow boundary region between an outer surface of theperforated drum (e.g., FIG. 1, 114) and a wall of the pressure vessel.The narrow boundary region may provide effective (e.g., turbulent) flowof materials (e.g., a natural source and an extraction gas). The narrowboundary region may advantageously permit heat transfer from thepressure vessel to and from a natural source. In disclosed embodiments,a desirable heat transfer from the pressure vessel to and from thenatural source may permit an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108)contained within the natural source (e.g., residual gas) to be removedfrom the natural source before, during, or after an extraction run. Ifthe extraction gas contained within the natural source is not removedfrom the natural source, the extraction gas may remain substantiallyentrapped in the natural source and may slowly effuse from the naturalsource. Removal of the extraction gas from the natural source may permitrecycling of the extraction gas. Slow effusion of an extraction gas froma natural source may permit residual gas to release to an environment.The narrow boundary region may comprise a distance from about 0.5 cm toabout 5.0 cm. For example, the narrow boundary region may comprise adistance of about 0.5 cm, or of about 1.0 cm, or of about 1.5 cm, or ofabout 2.0 cm, or of about 2.5 cm, or of about 3.0 cm, or of about 3.5cm, or of about 4.0 cm, or of about 4.5 cm, or of about 5.0 cm. In someembodiments, the narrow boundary region may comprise a distance fromabout 1 cm to about 2 cm.

A perforated drum (e.g., FIG. 1, 114) may be configured to spin about aprincipal axis 116. The perforated drum may be coupled to a drum rotator(e.g., FIG. 1, 130) (e.g., motor), wherein the drum rotator isconfigured to permit the perforated drum to rotate about a principalaxis (e.g., FIG. 1, 116). In disclosed embodiments, the perforated drummay spin along a principal axis of the perforated drum at a frequencyfrom about 10 revolutions per minute (rpm) to about 400 rpm. Indisclosed embodiments, the perforated drum may spin along the principalaxis of the perforated drum at more than one angular velocity. Forexample, the perforated drum may spin at one angular velocity at onetime and then spin at another angular velocity at another time. Indisclosed embodiments, the perforated drum may have an inside diameterfrom about 0.4 m to about 4 m, an outside diameter from about 0.41 m toabout 4.2 m, and a length from about 0.1 m to about 8 m. A velocitysensor, a position sensor, or a combination thereof may provide data onthe angular velocity of the perforated drum, wherein the data may bestored by a computer processor in a computer-readable medium. Thecomputer processor may control the angular velocity of the perforateddrum instantaneously or through computer-readable instructions stored inthe computer-readable medium. Mechanical energy derived from spinningmay desirably permit absorption of an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108)by a natural source, a spent source, or a combination thereof.Mechanical energy derived from spinning may desirably enhance removal ofan extraction gas from a natural source, a spent source, or acombination thereof. The perforated drum may comprise a metal, a steel,a stainless steel, a metal alloy, a micro-alloy metal, a polymer, or acombination thereof. The perforated drum may comprise a material thatmay be desirably inert relative to an extraction solvent, an organiccompound, at least one natural source, or combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments, an angular velocity of a perforated drum(e.g., FIG. 1, 114) may be modulated between an angular velocity nogreater than a critical tumbling speed of an extraction mixture, anatural source, a spent source, or a combination thereof within theperforated drum. In disclosed embodiments, modulating an angularvelocity of a perforated drum relative to an extraction mixture, anatural source, a spent source, or a combination thereof within theperforated drum may desirably permit heat transfer by a directconduction of a surface of the extraction mixture, the natural source,the spent source, or the combination thereof and an inner wall of theperforated drum. The high angular velocity (e.g., 400 rpm) may desirablypermit a high heat transfer between a wall of a pressure vessel (e.g.,FIG. 1, 112) and a wall of a perforated drum. A timing and a duty cycleof a modulated angular velocity of a perforated drum may vary as apressure within a pressure vessel increases. A duty cycle percentage andtimescale devoted to a high speed angular velocity of a perforated drummay increase, which may decrease a Nusselt number experienced by a wallof a perforated drum a wall of a pressure vessel, an extraction gas(e.g., FIG. 1, 108), and an extraction mixture.

According to disclosed embodiments, a perforated drum (e.g., FIG. 1,114) may comprise a filtering layer (e.g., FIG. 1, 132). The filteringlayer may desirably partially or substantially prevent a transfer of anatural source through the perforated drum (e.g., FIG. 1, 114). Thefiltering layer may desirably partially or substantially prevent atransfer of a natural source through a perforated drum during anextraction process (e.g., while a system for extracting organiccompounds from a natural source is operating). The filtering layer maybe comprised of a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, a steel, amicro-alloy steel, a steel alloy, a titanium, a nickel alloy (e.g.,Monel), or combinations thereof. The polymer may comprise polypropylene,polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, combinations thereof, orcopolymers thereof. The filtering layer may comprise polypropylene. Thefiltering layer may comprise a mesh, a microporous sintered sheet, orcombinations thereof. The filtering layer may permit an extraction gas(e.g., FIG. 1, 108) to pass through the filtering layer. The filteringlayer may permit an extraction gas to pass through the filtering layerwhile not permitting at least a portion of a natural source from passingthrough the filtering layer. The filtering layer may retain a naturalsource inside a perforated drum. The filtering layer may permit anextraction gas to pass through a perforated drum. The filtering layermay comprise a thickness from about 0.01 cm to about 1.4 cm.

In disclosed embodiments, a perforated drum (e.g., FIG. 1, 114) maycomprise a bag, a porous cloth, a metal mesh, a plastic mesh, or acombination thereof. A bag, a porous cloth, a metal mesh, a plasticmesh, or a combination thereof may desirably partially or substantiallyprevent a transfer of a natural source through the perforated drum.

An inlet of a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215)may connect to an outlet of a storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2,202), a product collection vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 175; FIG. 2, 275), acleaning solution tank (e.g., FIG. 1, 107), a compressor (e.g., FIG. 1,176; FIG. 2, 276), or a condenser (e.g., FIG. 1, 181; FIG. 2, 281). Indisclosed embodiments, a dynamic extraction vessel may be configured toreceive an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) from a storage vessel, aproduct collection vessel, a cleaning solution tank (e.g., FIG. 1, 107),a compressor, or a condenser.

An extraction chamber (e.g., FIG. 1, 110) may be configured to receivean extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) from a storage vessel (e.g., FIG.1, 102; FIG. 2, 202). The extraction chamber may be configured to have atextured interior surface. The extraction chamber may be configured tohave a corrugated interior surface. The corrugated interior surface maycomprise a scalloped interior surface. The scalloped interior surfacemay desirably enable heat transfer between an interior of the extractionchamber and an exterior of the extraction chamber. In disclosedembodiments, an extraction chamber may comprise a pressure vessel (e.g.,FIG. 1, 112) inside of the extraction chamber).

According to disclosed embodiments, a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g.,FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215) may comprise a acoustic transducer (e.g., FIG.1, 144; FIG. 2, 244) (e.g., sonicator). The acoustic transducer may beoperated at an ultrasonic frequency (e.g., >20 kHz). Operating theacoustic transducer at a high audio frequency may permit penetration ofan extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) into a natural source.Compressional waves, secondary waves, shear waves, or S-waves created bythe acoustic transducer, when applied to gases, solids, or liquid, maycreate stable cavitation in between high pressure and low pressureregions within a natural source, which may permit extraction gases topenetrate the natural source at a higher rate that may promoteextraction of organic compounds from the natural source. The acoustictransducer may desirably be placed within a wall of a pressure vessel(e.g., FIG. 1, 112), wherein desirable acoustic contact may bemaintained during system operating conditions or while a system is notoperating.

In some embodiments, a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115,FIG. 2, 215) may be heated or cooled. For example, the dynamicextraction vessel may be heated or cooled to a temperature from about−196° C. to about 200° C. Heat may be supplied or removed from thedynamic extraction vessel by a heat exchanger (e.g., FIG. 2, 277).Heating or cooling the dynamic extraction vessel may heat or cool allparts of the dynamic extraction vessel, including an extraction chamber,a pressure vessel, a perforated drum, and a drum rotator. Additionally,heating or cooling the dynamic extraction vessel may heat or cool anextraction gas and a natural source contained within the dynamicextraction vessel. In some embodiments, heating or cooling the dynamicextraction vessel may desirably increase or decrease the rate ofextraction of at least one organic compound from the natural source.

A perforated drum (e.g., FIG. 1, 114) may comprise a vane (e.g., FIG. 1,140). The vane may be disposed or arranged on one or more externalsurface of the perforated drum. The perforated drum may comprise a vane,which may be in proximity to a wall of an extraction chamber (e.g., FIG.1, 110) in which the perforated drum is contained. The vane maydesirably permit gas recirculation cells between an inner wall of anextraction chamber and a drum surface. The geometry of the vane maydesirably complement or reflect a scalloping or a corrugation of aninterior surface of an extraction chamber. In disclosed embodiments, thevane may desirably allow heat transfer to and from a natural sourcecontained within an extraction chamber. The vane may desirably increaselocal gas velocity so as to increase heat transfer to and from a naturalsource contained within an extraction chamber during a step of removingan extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) from the natural source. The vanemay optimize the heat transfer by promoting the overall turbulence ofthe extraction gas. This heat transfer may reduce the time required forremoving extraction gas under certain conditions, and may therefore bedesirable. The vane may comprise a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, asteel, a micro-alloy steel, a steel alloy, or combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, a narrow boundary region of the vane may causeturbulent flow, which may desirably increase heat transfer.

According to disclosed embodiments, a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g.,FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215) may comprise a drum rotator (e.g., FIG. 1,130). The drum rotator may be configured to permit a perforated drum(e.g., FIG. 1, 114) to rotate about a principal axis (e.g., FIG. 1,116). The motor may comprise a servo motor, an internal combustionmotor, a gear motor, a switch reluctance motor, a hybrid stepper motor,an electrical motor, a hydraulically powered motor, a magnetic motor, apermanent magnet DC motor, a torque motor, a cage and wound rotorinduction motor, an electrically excited motor, an ironless or corelessrotor motor, a brush DC motor, a synchronous AC motor, an induction ACmotor, a single phase AC motor, a three phase AC motor, a brushless DCmotor, or a combination thereof. The drum rotator may comprise ahermetically sealed motor, wherein the drum rotator may be poweredhydraulically, by air, by electricity, magnetically, or combinationsthereof. The drum rotator may comprise a hydraulic pump, an accumulatortank for pressurized hydraulic fluid, an accumulator tank for lowpressure (e.g., 200 psi) hydraulic fluid, a sensor (e.g., pressuresensor), a hydraulic line, or a combination thereof. In disclosedembodiments, the hydraulically powered motor may be contained inside ofa hermetic container (e.g., hermetic can), which may desirably obviate aneed for a gas tight shaft seal or the drum may be rotated. In someembodiments, the drum may be rotated by a magnetic drive. In disclosedembodiments, a wall of the extraction chamber (e.g., FIG. 1, 110) maycomprise a magnetic material or a nonmagnetic material. The hermetic canfitting over a stub shaft armature assembly may comprise a nonmagneticmaterial, wherein mechanical losses due to induced secondary eddycurrents may desirably be minimized According to disclosed embodiments,the dynamic extraction vessel may provide for measurement or control ofan angular velocity (e.g., measured rpm) of a perforated drum. A sensorcomprising a rotary encoder, a resolver, a tachometer, a rate sensor, aposition sensor, or a combination thereof may obtain angular velocitydata, wherein the data may be stored by a computer processor in acomputer-readable medium. The computer processor may control the angularvelocity of the perforated drum instantaneously or throughcomputer-readable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium.Angular velocity may be measured by an optical shaft encoder located ona motor shaft. The encoder may also quantify an instantaneousorientation of a drum relative to a pressure vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 112).

A drum rotator (e.g., FIG. 1, 130) may desirably permit an extractiongas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) to be absorbed desirably by a natural source,wherein heat or mechanical energy may permit desirably removal of theextraction gas from the natural source. According to disclosedembodiments, a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2,215) may comprise a boiler loop under control of a computer processorthat receives temperature information from a heat sensor, athermocouple, a passive infrared sensor, or a resistance thermometer.The boiler loop may be a component of a boiler system, wherein thecomputer processor may adjust settings on the boiler system to adjustthe temperature of the boiler loop. Adjusting the temperature on theboiler loop may increase, decrease, or maintain the temperature of thedynamic extraction vessel. The dynamic extraction vessel may comprise aninsulation, a coating, or a combination thereof, which may provide apassive temperature control. The dynamic extraction vessel may compriseelectric heaters, thermoelectric coolers, or combinations thereof undercontrol of a computer processor. The computer processor may control theelectric heaters, thermoelectric coolers, or combinations thereofinstantaneously or through computer-readable instructions stored in acomputer-readable medium.

Gas-Liquids Separator System: Spray Evaporation Loop System

A system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) for extracting organiccompounds from a natural source may comprise a gas-liquids separatorsystem. The gas-liquids separator system may recover an extraction gas(e.g., FIG. 1, 108). The gas-liquids separator system may recover anextraction gas in a phase, the phase comprising a gas, a liquid, asupercritical fluid, or a combination thereof.

A gas-liquid separator may comprise a spray evaporation loop system(e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270), a wiped film evaporation system (e.g.,spinning band evaporator, falling film evaporator), or a combinationthereof. In disclosed embodiments, the spray evaporation loop system maycomprise an injection nozzle (e.g., a spray nozzle), a flash drum (e.g.,FIG. 2, 276), a demisting system (e.g., cyclonic separator separator),at least one filter (e.g., FIG. 2, 273), a recirculating blower (e.g.,FIG. 2, 274), a heat exchanger (e.g., FIG. 2, 277), and an extractedsolute, a product collection vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 175; FIG. 2, 275). Indisclosed embodiments, the spray evaporation loop system, may comprise aloop of the flash drum, which may be connected to the cyclonic separator(e.g., FIG. 2, 272), which may be connected to the at least one filter(e.g., FIG. 2, 273), which may be connected to the blower, which may beconnected to the heat exchanger (e.g., FIG. 2, 277), wherein the heatexchanger may be connected back to the flash drum.

In disclosed embodiments, an injection nozzle (e.g., FIG. 2, 271) of aspray evaporation loop system (e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270), may beconnected to an outlet of a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1,115; FIG. 2, 215). A delivery pump (e.g., FIG. 1, 182) may control theflow of a solute from a dynamic extraction vessel, to a sprayevaporation loop system or an intermediate storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 2,254). A flash drum (e.g., FIG. 2, 276) may be configured to receive asolute spray from an injection nozzle, wherein a flash drum (e.g., FIG.2, 276) may feed the solute to a cyclonic separator (e.g., FIG. 2, 272).The solute may be obtained in a relatively pure form from the underflowoutlet of the cyclonic separator. The outlet of an intermediate storagevessel may connect to the injection nozzle of the spray evaporation loopsystem. A delivery pump (e.g., progressive cavity pump) (e.g., FIG. 2,255) may regulate the flow of an output from the intermediate storagevessel to an injection nozzle of a spray evaporation loop system.

An injection nozzle (e.g., FIG. 2, 271) may comprise a spray nozzle, aplain-orifice nozzle, a shaped orifice nozzle, a surface impingementsingle-fluid nozzle, a pressure-swirl single-fluid spray nozzle, asolid-cone single fluid nozzle, a compound nozzle, a rotary atomizer, anultrasonic atomizer, an atomizer nozzle, an air-aspirating nozzle, aswirl nozzle, or combinations thereof. A conduit may comprise a tube, apipe, or a combination thereof. A conduit may desirably connectcomponents of a spray evaporation loop system (e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG.2, 270). A flash drum (e.g., FIG. 2, 276) may be configured to receive aspray from an injection nozzle. A demisting system (e.g., FIG. 2, 272)may comprise a cyclonic separator. A recirculating blower (e.g., FIG. 2,274) may comprise a regenerative blower, a roots-type blower, adry-running screw, a centrifugal blower, and an axial turbine.

A heat exchanger (e.g., FIG. 2, 277) may comprise a gas-to-gas type, aliquid-to-gas type, or a combination thereof. In disclosed embodiments,a heat exchanger connects to a boiler system (e.g., FIG. 2, 290). A heatexchanger may be configured to receive heat from a boiler system. Asolute may comprise an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108), an organiccompound, or a combination thereof. The solute may be obtained in agas-liquids separator system. For example, the solute may be obtained ata bottom (e.g., underflow outlet) of the cyclonic separator system. Indisclosed embodiments, the extraction solvent may be removed. Acondenser (e.g., FIG. 1, 181; FIG. 2, 281), a compressor (e.g., FIG. 1,176; FIG. 2, 276), or a combination thereof may remove an extractionsolvent from the solute. A system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) forextracting organic compounds from a natural source may comprise agas-liquids separator system, wherein the gas-liquid separator systemmay comprise an in-parallel system, an in-series system, or combinationsthereof.

A spray evaporation loop system (e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270) mayevacuate a residual extraction gas from a pressure vessel (e.g., FIG. 1,112). Evacuation may occur by opening a valve to an intake of acompressor (e.g., FIG. 1, 176; FIG. 2, 276) as the compressor runs.Evacuation may occur by opening a valve to an intake of a gas dryersystem (e.g., FIG. 1, 180; FIG. 2, 280). The gas dryer system maydischarge the extraction gas to the compressor, which may discharge theextraction gas through a condenser and return the extraction gas (e.g.,FIG. 1, 108) through a liquid return line valve and to a storage vessel(e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202). A spray evaporation loop system (e.g.,FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270) may comprise a delivery pump (e.g., FIG. 1,182) to deliver the extraction gas to the gas dryer system or mayoptionally use gravity alone to deliver the extraction gas to the gasdryer system.

According to disclosed embodiments, a spray evaporation loop system(e.g., FIG. 1, 170, FIG. 2, 270) may comprise sensors comprising thermalsensors, volume pressures, pressure sensors, chemical sensors, moisturesensors, or combinations thereof, which may obtain data that may bestored as a computer-readable medium in a computer processor. Thecomputer processor may control the temperature, volume, pressure, or acombination thereof of the spray evaporation loop system instantaneouslyor through computer-readable instructions stored in thecomputer-readable medium.

In some embodiments, a spray evaporation loop system (e.g., FIG. 1, 170,FIG. 2, 270) may be heated or cooled. For example, the spray evaporationloop system may be heated or cooled to a temperature from about −196° C.to about 200° C. Heat may be supplied or removed from the dynamicextraction vessel by a heat exchanger (e.g., FIG. 2, 277). Heating orcooling the spray evaporation loop system may heat or cool all parts ofthe spray evaporation loop system. Additionally, heating or cooling thespray evaporation loop system may heat or cool an extraction gas and anextracted solute contained within the spray evaporation loop system.

Product Collection Vessel

According to disclosed embodiments, a system for extracting organiccompounds from a natural source may comprise a product collection vessel(e.g., FIG. 1, 175; FIG. 2, 275). The product collection vessel may beconfigured to receive an organic compound from a spray evaporation loopsystem (e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270). For example, an outlet of thespray evaporation loop system may connect to an inlet of the productcollection vessel. Specifically, an outlet of an outlet of a cyclonicseparator (e.g., FIG. 2, 272) may be connected to an inlet of theproduct collection vessel. The product collection vessel may comprise apolymer, a glass, a metal, a metal alloy, a steel, a micro-alloy steel,a steel alloy, or a combination thereof.

In disclosed embodiments, a product collection vessel (e.g., FIG. 1,175; FIG. 2, 275) may receive the product from the (non volatile)concentrate from the underflow outlet of the cyclone or alternativelyfrom the bottom of the separation vessel of a wiped film evaporator. Forexample, if an organic compound collected in the product collectionvessel is not desirably devoid of a portion of the extraction gas, thegas dryer system may collect the portion of the extraction gas from theorganic compound. The product collection vessel may comprise a 2-waysolenoid valve (e.g., FIG. 2, 251), a 3-way solenoid valve (e.g., FIG.2, 253), or a combination thereof. In disclosed embodiments, the waysolenoid valve, the 3-way solenoid valve, or a combination thereof, maydesirably regulate [under control of a computer processor and itsassociated computer-implemented instructions] the rate at which the gasdry system collects a portion of the extraction gas from an organiccompound.

Gas Dryer System

In disclosed embodiments, a system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) forextracting organic compounds from a natural source may comprise a gasdryer system (e.g., FIG. 1, 180; FIG. 2, 280). An outlet of the gasdryer system is connected to an inlet of a compressor (e.g., FIG. 1,176; FIG. 2, 276), wherein the flow may be regulated by a vacuum pump(e.g., FIG. 1, 150). The gas dryer system may comprise a purificationsubsystem. The gas dryer system may comprise a desiccant assembly (e.g.,FIG. 2, 261), wherein the desiccant assembly may comprise a desiccantpacked tower (e.g., column) comprising a desiccant. An outlet of thecompressor may connect to an inlet system (e.g., FIG. 1, 160) of adynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115) or an inlet of a condenser(e.g., FIG. 1, 181; FIG. 2, 281). An outlet of the condenser, mayconnect to an inlet of a storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2,202), an inlet of a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG.2, 215), an inlet of a gas dryer system, or a combination thereof. Thedesiccant assembly may comprise more than one desiccant packed towerpacked in a series arrangement, in a parallel arrangement, or acombination thereof. The desiccant may comprise calcium oxide, calciumsulfate, magnesium sulfate, sodium sulfate, sulfuric acid, a zeolite, aporous glass, a clay, an activated carbon, a mesoporous silica,glycerol, a macroporous silica, alumino-silicate, molecular sieves, aC₂-C₆ glycol, calcium chloride, or combinations thereof. The desiccantmay absorb water from an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108).

In disclosed embodiments, a gas dryer system (e.g., FIG. 1, 180; FIG. 2,280) may be used to remove moisture from a system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100;FIG. 2, 200) before operation of the system, during operation of asystem, after operation of a system, or a combination thereof. The gasdryer system may reduce a moisture content from an extraction gas (e.g.,FIG. 1, 108) to less than about 100 ppm, or less than about 50 ppm, orless than about 10 ppm, or less than about 1 ppm, or less than about 0.1ppm, or less than about 0.01 ppm, or less than about 0.001 ppm. Reducingthe moisture content of the extraction gas may desirably permitextracting of moisture sensitive organic compounds from the naturalsource. In disclosed embodiments, reducing the moisture content of theextraction gas may adjust the polarity of the extraction gas. Reducingthe moisture content of the extraction gas may reduce the polarity orincrease the polarity of an extraction gas. Reducing or increasing thepolarity of an extraction gas through moisture reduction may desirablyallow the extraction of organic compounds in various hydrophilicitieswhich may be present from the natural source. The moisture of theextraction gas may be reduced so that the extraction gas is anhydrous orsubstantially anhydrous. For example, a moisture content may comprisebelow about 1000 ppm, or below about 900 ppm, or below about 800 ppm, orbelow about 700 ppm, or below about 600 ppm, or below about 500 ppm, orbelow about 400 ppm, or below about 300 ppm, or below about 200 ppm, orbelow about 100 ppm. The gas dryer system may comprise volume sensors,temperature sensors, pressure sensors, moisture sensors, chemicalsensors, or combinations thereof that may transfer data that may bestored by a computer processor in a computer-readable medium. Thecomputer processor may control the gas dryer instantaneously or throughcomputer-readable instructions stored in the computer-readable medium.

Compressor

In disclosed embodiments, a system for extracting organic compounds froma natural source may comprise a compressor (e.g., FIG. 1, 176; FIG. 2,276). The compressor may comprise a reciprocating compressor, a scrollcompressor, a screw compressor, a rotary compressor, a centrifugalcompressor, a positive displacement compressor, a dynamic compressor, anair bubble compressor, a diagonal or mixed-flow compressor, an axialflow compressor, a hermetically sealed, open, or semi-hermiticcompressor, or a combination thereof. The compressor may recover anextraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108). The compressor may be in gaseous orfluid communication with a condenser (e.g., FIG. 1, 181; FIG. 2, 281),an inlet system (e.g., FIG. 1, 160) of a dynamic extraction vessel(e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215), a gas dryer system (e.g., FIG. 1, 180;FIG. 2, 280), a storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202), orcombinations thereof. For example, an outlet of a gas dryer system isconnected to an inlet of a compressor, wherein the flow may be regulatedby a vacuum pump (e.g., FIG. 1, 150).

A compressor (e.g., FIG. 1, 176; FIG. 2, 276) may facilitate a movementof an extraction gas throughout a system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2,200) for extracting organic compounds from a natural source. Indisclosed embodiments, a vacuum pump (e.g., FIG. 1, 150) may transportan extraction gas (e.g., anhydrous extraction gas) from a gas dryersystem (e.g., FIG. 1, 180; FIG. 2, 280) to the compressor, or from thecompressor, to the gas dryer system. For example, the compressor maytransport a dried extraction gas from a gas dryer system to a storagevessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202). In disclosed embodiments, thecompressor may transport a dried extraction gas from a gas dryer systemto the inlet system (e.g., FIG. 1, 160) of a dynamic extraction vessel(e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215).

Boiler System

In disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system(e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) for extracting organic compounds from anatural source, the system comprising a boiler system (e.g., FIG. 2,290). The boiler system may comprise a boiler (e.g., FIG. 2, 291), apressure relief valve (e.g., FIG. 2, 292), a site gauge (e.g., FIG. 2,293), a y-strainer (e.g., FIG. 2, 294), a pump (e.g., FIG. 2, 295), ade-aerator (e.g., FIG. 2, 296), and a water storage tank (e.g., FIG. 2,297). The boiler system may provide heat or heat exchange throughout asystem for extracting organic compounds from a natural source. Forexample, a boiler system may connect to a dynamic extraction vessel(e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215) and a spray evaporation loop system(e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270) through a heat loop. The heat loop mayprovide heat or exchange heat with the dynamic extraction vessel (e.g.,FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215) or the spray evaporation loop system. Theboiler system may comprise a fire-tube boiler, a water-tube boiler, ahigh-pressure boiler (e.g., boiler with >15 psig), a low-pressure boiler(e.g., boiler with ≤15 psig), a steam boiler, a hot water boiler, orcombinations thereof. The boiler system may comprise a loop of theboiler connected to the pressure relieve valve, which may be connectedto the site gauge, wherein the site gauge may be connected to they-strainer, wherein the y-strainer may be connected to the de-aerator,which may be connected to a water storage tank, which may connect backto the boiler.

Sensor System

The present disclosure relates, according to disclosed embodiments, to asystem (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) for extracting organic compoundsfrom a natural source, the system comprising a system of sensors (e.g.,temperature, pressure, volume, chemical, and fluid). The system ofsensors may monitor or control a temperature, a pressure, a volume, awater content, a gas level, a chemical composition of an extraction gas(e.g., FIG. 1, 108) and a solute, or a combination thereof. Sensors maydesirably transfer data to a computer processor, wherein the data may bestored by the computer processor in a computer-readable medium. Thesystem of sensors may desirably analyze a composition of the extractiongas, a natural source, a solute, or a combination thereof. The system ofsensors may comprise a separation system comprising gas chromatography,ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, high performance liquidchromatography, liquid chromatography, column chromatography, reversephase chromatography, normal phase chromatography, ion exchangechromatography, size-exclusion chromatography, or combinations thereof.The separation system may optionally be coupled to the detection system,wherein the detection system may comprise a spectrometer (e.g., massspectrometer). For example, the separation system may optionally becoupled to a single quadruple mass spectrometer. Feedback from thespectrometer may be used to adjust amounts of the extraction gas (e.g.,FIG. 1, 108) or an amount of a solute. A time of flight massspectrometer may be employed for analysis of specific components incomplex natural product mixtures. Miniaturized mass spectrometer systemswhich are economically designed for process work are manufactured andcan be employed in this system advantageously. Feedback from thespectrometer in the form of an electrical signal proportional to therelative concentration of a desired component present in the extractionmixture may be dynamically used to adjust either the amounts of anextraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108), in the form of the total pressure ofthe extraction gas or the partial pressure of a particular component ofthe said extraction gas mixture, or alternatively can be used to adjustaddition of a given amount of an organic liquid to the extractionprocess which is used as an additional solute. This would typically beadded with the aid of a metering pump.

Sample Cell

A system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) for extracting an organiccompound from a natural source may comprise a cell, wherein the cell maycomprise a glass window, a sapphire window, and a quartz window. Thecell may be 180 degrees opposite, 90 degrees opposite, or combinationsthereof. The cell may desirably permit an analysis of an extraction gas(e.g., FIG. 1, 108) or a solute by methodologies comprising ultravioletabsorption spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy, tetrahertzabsorption spectroscopy, time domain spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy,fluorescence spectroscopy, microwave multiple resonance spectroscopy,cavity ring-down spectroscopy, multiphoton spectroscopy, or combinationsthereof. The cell may alternatively comprise a electrical feedthrough,wherein the electrical feedthrough may allow measurement of anelectrical parameter comprising conductivity, resistance, capacitance,or dielectric relaxation. An electrical feedthrough may desirably permitan oxidation process, a reduction process, or combinations thereof. Theelectrical feedthrough may desirably permit performing cyclicvoltammetry, controlled-potential coulometry, or spectroelectrochemistry(e.g., using a cell to allow the input or exit of light). In someembodiments, the windows may allow light to be transmitted through thecell allowing spectroscopy to be carried out according to the methodsenumerated above. In the case of terahertz spectroscopy, the windows mayneed to be as thin as are allowed and thus could be made of any thindielectric material compatible with the frequency of the terahertzradiation. For UV or Visible absorption or fluorescence spectroscopy,the windows may comprise glass, quartz, sapphire, or combinationsthereof. Alternatively, a fiber optic material, either fused silica orglass, could be placed within the cell by means of appropriatefeedthroughs well known to one having ordinary skill in the art. Thesefiber optical fibers may then be used to transmit light into the mediumwithin the cell and detect light either emitted within cell by theexciting light carried into it, or determine the amount of light of anyparticular wavelength which is absorbed by the contents of the cell.These quantities, namely the absorbance and fluorescence, may then bedirectly related to the concentration of a known fluorescent orabsorbing material at any particular wavelength by appropriatelycalibrating the system by well known methods. Thus, monitoring theoutput from such a system provides a dynamic measure of theconcentration of a particular component in this system. For a simplesystem of a few discrete components this is straightforward, but for acomplex natural product mixture it is not straightforward. Therefore,generally for complex systems such as are utilized within the context ofthe present invention multiple wavelengths of light are usedsimultaneously, thereby allowing the measurement of absorbance atmultiple wavelengths at the same time. A different approach to thisdescribed above would utilize two or more narrow band lasers to probethe system, allowing two or more photons to excite a single molecule ofa component which is present. Under certain sets of circumstances wellknown to one normally skilled in the art, multiphotonic absorption bandscan be much narrower than the ground state excitation bands, allowinggreater sensitivity in complex mixtures.

Processor/Control System

The present disclosure relates, according to disclosed embodiments, to asystem for extracting organic compounds from a natural source, thesystem comprising a processor or control system. The processor orcontrol system may include a computer processor or other electronichardware (e.g., a programmable processing unit, memory, random-accessmemory, a network interface controller, a motherboard, a input device,and a output device). Sensors may provide the computer processor withdata, wherein the data may be stored by the computer processor in acomputer-readable medium. The control system may comprise a signalconverter (e.g., analog to digital or digital to analog converters). Acontrol system may desirably allow a multiplicity of analog outputs froma transducer of pressure, temperature, volume, composition, orcombinations thereof, wherein a analog output may be monitored duringthe course a method of extracting an organic compound from a naturalsource. The control system may comprise a input from a monitoringsubsystem (e.g., mass spectrometers, optical absorption devices, andother spectroscopic monitors, etc.). The monitoring subsystem may bedynamically monitored by the control system, which may be located at anypoint in the system. For example, the processor or control system may belocated close to an outlet of an extraction vessel.

A computer processor may execute one or more algorithms, wherein the oneor more algorithms may define process control parameters. For example,the computer processor may control a component of a system (e.g., FIG.1, 100, FIG. 2, 200) instantaneously or through computer-readableinstructions (e.g., algorithm) stored in the computer-readable medium.An algorithm may define a system or method of desirable pressure,temperature, or extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) concentrations,wherein the system and or method may desirably produce a solute. Acontrol system may control a level of powering to an acoustic orultrasonic transducer, and a rotation speed of a perforated drum (e.g.,FIG. 1, 114). The control system may be desirably filtered or bufferedto reduce an electrical noise. The control system may comprise opticalfibers, wherein the optical fibers may couple to a sensor output to ananalog input of an analog-to-digital (AD) converter, which may reduceelectrical noise. In disclosed embodiments, the control system maydesirably adjust a power to a component of a system for extractingorganic compounds from a natural source. Power may be adjusted byincreasing, decreasing, or maintaining a current, a voltage, a dutycycle, or a combination thereof to a component of a system forextracting organic compounds from a natural source.

A system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) for extracting organiccompounds from a natural source may comprise a single power source. Forexample, a power source may comprise a single phase or a three phasealternating current, wherein the power source may contain a variety oftransformers to provide lower AC voltages (e.g., 220 V, 110 V), or DCpower supplies to power a transducer and a indicator.

Cleaning System

The present disclosure relates, according to disclosed embodiments, to asystem for extracting organic compounds from a natural source, thesystem comprising a cleaning system. The cleaning system may comprise acleaning solution supply tank (e.g., FIG. 1, 107), wherein the cleaningsolution supply tank may comprise a solvent comprising acetone,acetonitrile, water, chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate,ethanol, heptane, diethyl ether, dimethyl sulfoxide, toluene, methanol,hexanes, acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, pyridine, trimethylamine, orcombinations thereof. The cleaning solution supply tank may be in fluidcommunication with a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG.2, 215), a storage vessel, a compressor (e.g., FIG. 1, 176; FIG. 2,276), a condenser (e.g., FIG. 1, 181; FIG. 2, 281), or combinationsthereof. An outlet of the cleaning solution supply tank may be connectedto an inlet of a dynamic extraction vessel. A cleaning solution supplypump (e.g., FIG. 1, 109) may regulate the flow of the cleaning solutionfrom the cleaning solution supply tank to the dynamic extraction vessel.Cleaning a system for extracting an organic compound from a naturalsource may comprise removing a spent source material from the system.Cleaning may remove a residue from a component of a system. A spentsource may be transferred to a fixed tank, wherein the spent source maybe analyzed, dried, recycled, re-extracted, or combinations thereof. Forexample, a secondary extraction of organic compounds from a spent sourcemay be performed. This could be comprised of a system containing anadditional tank, wherein the spent source could be further extractedwith an additional organic solvent. In some embodiments, ethanol couldbe used to as the additional solvent to further extract materials fromthe spent source. A secondary extraction may be performed in anenfleurage tank, wherein a slow extraction may be performed. Indisclosed embodiments, a secondary extraction may extract additionalorganic compounds may be extracted from a spent source, which may nothave been extracted in the initial extraction process. A secondaryextraction may comprise solvents used in the initial extraction process,solvents not used in the initial extraction process, or combinationsthereof. The cleaning system may comprise pressure sensors, chemicalsensors, moisture sensors, temperature sensors, or a combination thereofthat may transfer data that may be stored by a computer processor in acomputer-readable medium. The computer processor may control componentsof the cleaning system instantaneously or through computer-readableinstructions stored in the computer-readable medium.

Intermediate Storage Vessel

In disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system forextracting an organic compound from a natural source, the systemcomprising an intermediate storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 2, 254). Theintermediate storage vessel may store a solute. The intermediate storagevessel may be configured to receive a solute from a dynamic extractionvessel (e.g., FIG. 2, 215). In disclosed embodiments, the intermediatestorage vessel may be configured to provide a spray evaporation loopsystem (e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270) with a solute.

Inlets and Outlets

In disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems forextracting organic compounds from a natural source, wherein the systemcomprises inlets and outlets. The inlets and outlets may comprise anyfitting used in plumbing. For example, the inlets and outlets maycomprise valves, unions, plugs, caps, diverter tees, slip-jointfittings, fasteners, elbows, couplers, nipples, expanders, bushings,tees, crosses, barbs, gates, or combinations thereof. Valves maycomprise hydraulic, pneumatic, manual, solenoid, and motor valves.Valves may comprise ball valves, butterfly valves, check valves,diaphragm valves, gate valves, needle valves, pinch valves, pistonvalves, poppet valves, sampling valves, safety valves, ball cock,bibcock, or combinations thereof. Inlets and outlets may comprise bothmale and female threaded connectors (e.g., pipes). Inlets and outletsmay comprise metals (e.g., stainless steel and copper) and polymers(e.g., polyethylene).

Methods for Extracting Organic Compounds

The present disclosure relates, according to disclosed embodiments, tomethods for extracting organic compounds from a natural source. Themethod for extracting organic compounds from a natural source maycomprise (a) combining a primary extraction gas in a storage vessel(e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202) to form an extraction gas (e.g., FIG.1, 108); (b) combining the extraction gas with a natural source in adynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2, 215), to form anextraction mixture, (c) rotating the perforated drum (e.g., FIG. 1, 114)containing the extraction mixture to form a spent natural source and asolute, wherein the solute comprises an organic compound and at least aportion of the extraction gas; (d) separating the solute from the spentnatural source to form a separated solute and a separated spent naturalsource; (e) recovering at least a portion of the separated solute in aspray evaporation loop system (e.g., FIG. 1, 170; FIG. 2, 270) to form arecovered solute comprising at least a portion of the extraction gas andat least a portion of the organic compound, (g) recovering at least aportion of the extraction gas from the recovered solute with a gas dryersystem (e.g., FIG. 1, 180; FIG. 2, 280) to form a recovered extractiongas and a dried organic compound, wherein the dried organic compound issubstantially free of the extraction gas; and (h) recycling therecovered extraction gas to form a recycled extraction gas.

In disclosed embodiments, a method for extracting organic compounds froma natural source may comprise charging a storage vessel (e.g., FIG. 1,102; FIG. 2, 202) with an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) to form acharged extraction gas. Charging may comprise adding an extraction gasto a storage vessel. Charging may comprise charging the extraction gas,wherein the extraction gas is in a gaseous state at a pressure fromabout 1 ATM to about 30 ATM, and at a temperature of about 20° C.Charging may comprise charging the extraction gas, wherein theextraction gas in a phase, the phase comprising a gas, a liquid, asupercritical fluid, or a combination thereof. Charging may comprisecharging the extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) at a pressure from about40 psig to about 5000 psig. For example, the extraction gas may becharged at a pressure from about 40 psig to about 150 psig, or fromabout 150 psig to about 500 psig, or from about 500 psig to about 1000psig, or from about 1000 psig to about 2000 psig, or from about 2000psig to about 3000 psig, or from about 3000 psig to about 4000 psig, orfrom about 4000 psig, to about 5000 psig. Charging may comprise chargingan extraction gas, wherein the extraction gas as a compressed gas (e.g.,liquefied gas, non-liquefied gas, and dissolved gas).

According to disclosed embodiments, a method for extracting organiccompounds from a natural source may comprise premixing an extraction gas(e.g., FIG. 1, 108) (e.g., charged extraction gas) to form a premixedextraction gas. Premixing the extraction gas may be performed before,during, or after the extraction gas is received by an extraction chamber(e.g., FIG. 1, 110). Premixing may be achieved externally to a storagevessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 102; FIG. 2, 202). For example, premixing may beachieved by one or more sub-systems, such as by a manifold including oneor more valves (e.g., Coriolis-type mass flowmeters or dutycycle-controlled proportioning valves). Premixing the extraction gas maydesirably enable proportioning of mixture of the extraction gas in adynamic equilibrium, the dynamic equilibrium comprising concentration,state, pressure, temperature, or combinations thereof.

In disclosed embodiments, a method for extracting organic compounds froma natural source may comprise combining an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1,108) with a natural source to form an extraction mixture. Combining maybe performed in a dynamic extraction vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 115; FIG. 2,215), wherein the dynamic extraction vessel comprises an extractionchamber (e.g., FIG. 1, 110); a pressure vessel (e.g., FIG. 1, 112); aperforated drum (e.g., FIG. 1, 114); a drum rotator (e.g., FIG. 1, 130);and a temperature adjusting system.

According to disclosed embodiments, a method for extracting an organiccompound from a natural source may comprise rotating a perforating drumcontaining an extraction mixture to form a spent natural source and asolute. A rotating (e.g., tumbling) action may desirably permitpenetration of an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108) into a naturalsource. The rotating (e.g., tumbling) action may desirably permitevacuation of an extraction gas or an organic compound from a naturalsource. The solute may comprise an organic compound and the extractiongas. Rotating may comprise rotating at an angular velocity from about 10revolutions per minutes to about 400 revolutions per minute. Forexample, rotating may comprise an angular velocity from about 10revolutions per minute to about 50 revolutions per minute, or form about50 revolutions per minute to about 100 revolutions per minute, or fromabout 100 revolutions per minute to about 200 revolutions per minute, orfrom about 200 revolutions per minute to about 300 revolutions perminute, or from about 300 revolutions per minute to about 400revolutions per minute. In disclosed embodiments, rotating theperforating drum containing an extraction mixture may further compriseheating the perforating drum containing the extraction mixture. Rotatingthe perforating drum containing an extraction mixture may furthercomprise cooling the perforating drum containing the extraction mixture.Rotating the perforating drum containing an extraction mixture mayfurther comprise increasing (e.g., heating), lowering (e.g., cooling),or maintaining a temperature of the perforating drum containing theextraction mixture. Heating, cooling, or maintaining a temperatureduring a rotating of a drum containing an extraction mixture maydesirably increase efficiency (e.g., yield) or selectivity (e.g.,purity) of the method of extracting an organic compound from a naturalsource.

Rotating a perforating drum containing a perforating drum containing anextraction mixture may comprise rotating while at a temperature fromabout 0° C. to about 200° C. Rotating the perforating drum containing anextraction mixture may comprise rotating at a pressure from about 50psig to about 5000 psig. Rotating the perforating drum containing anextraction mixture may comprise sonicating the extraction mixture.Sonicating may comprise treating the extraction mixture with anultrasonic frequency (e.g., >20 kHz). Sonicating may be performedcontinuously, intermittently, or singularly.

A method for extracting an organic compound from a natural source maycomprise recovering at least a portion of an extraction gas (e.g., FIG.1, 108) from a solute. Recovering the at least a portion of theextraction gas from a solute may form a recovered extraction gas and adried organic compound, wherein the dried organic compound issubstantially free of the extraction gas. Recovering may be performed bya spray evaporation loop (e.g., spray evaporation system). The sprayevaporation loop may comprise an injection nozzle, a flash drum, ademisting system, a recirculating blower, a heat exchanger, a conduit,and a solute (e.g., an extracted solute). At least a portion of anextraction gas may be extracted from a solute. At least a portion maycomprise greater than about 5 wt. %, or greater than about 10 wt. %, orgreater than about 15 wt. %, or greater than about 20 wt. %, or greaterthan about 25 wt. %, or greater than about 30 wt. %, or greater thanabout 35 wt. %, or greater than about 40 wt. %, or greater than about 50wt. %, or greater than about 55 wt. %, or greater than about 60 wt. %,or greater than about 65 wt. %, or greater than about 70 wt. %, orgreater than about 75 wt. %, or greater than about 80 wt. %, or greaterthan about 85 wt. %, or greater than about 90 wt. %, or greater thanabout 95 wt. %, by weight of the solute.

In disclosed embodiments, a method for extracting an organic compoundfrom a natural source may comprise analyzing a solute, analyzing aconcentrated organic compound, analyzing a natural source, analyzing anextraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1, 108), or a combination thereof. Analyzingmay comprise determining an identity or a purity of a solute, analyzinga dried organic compound, analyzing a natural source, analyzing anextraction gas, or combinations thereof. Analyzing may be performed by asensor system.

In disclosed embodiments, a method for extracting an organic compoundfrom a natural source may comprise recycling a recovered extraction gas(e.g., FIG. 1, 108) to form a recycled extraction gas. A compressor(e.g., FIG. 1, 176; FIG. 2, 276) may be included to recycle a recoveredextraction gas. Recycling may comprise dying or storing a recycledextraction gas. A compressor may comprise a storage vessel (e.g., FIG.1, 102; FIG. 2, 202) or recycling vessel, wherein a recovered extractiongas may be stored.

According to disclosed embodiments, a spent source may be transferred toa fixed tank, wherein the spent source may be analyzed, dried, recycled,re-extracted, or combinations thereof. For example, a secondaryextraction of organic compounds from a spent source may be performed. Asecondary extraction may be performed in an enfleurage tank, wherein aslow extraction may be performed. In disclosed embodiments, a secondaryextraction may extract additional organic compounds may be extractedfrom a spent source, which may not have been extracted in the initialextraction process. The secondary extraction may comprise solvents usedin the initial extraction process, solvents not used in the initialextraction process, or combinations thereof.

In disclosed embodiments, a method for extracting an organic compoundfrom a natural source may comprise an extraction gas (e.g., FIG. 1,108). An extraction gas may comprise a chlorofluorocarbon, achlorofluoroolefin, a hydrlchlorofluorocarbon, ahydrochlorofluoroolefin, a hydrofluorocarbon, a hydrofluoroolefin, aperfluorocarbon, a perchlorocarbon, a hydrocarbon, a haloalkane, ahydrocarbon, or a combination thereof. A method may comprise a naturalsource, wherein the natural source is a plant selected from the groupconsisting of Piper spp., Cannabis spp., Salvia spp., Banisteriopsisspp., Psychotria spp., Diplopterys spp., Peganum spp., and Humulus spp.In disclosed embodiments, a natural source is Cannabis Sativa. Thenatural source may be selected from the group consisting ofBanisteriopsis caapi, Psychotria viridis (chacruna), Diplopteryscabrerana, Peganum harmala, and Humulus lupulus.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Specific example embodiments of systems and methods for extractingorganic compounds from natural sources are illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. Asshown, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for extracting organic productsaccording to specific example embodiments of the disclosure. The system100 may comprise a primary tank system 101 comprising primary tanks 103,wherein the primary tanks comprise an outlet connected to an inlet of avalve manifold 104. An outlet of the valve manifold 104 may be connectedto an inlet of a valve 106. An outlet of valve 106 may connect to aninlet of a storage vessel 102. In disclosed embodiments, the primarytanks may comprise a primary extraction gas, wherein they may bepremixed before entering the storage vessel. Premixing more than oneprimary extraction gas in this configuration may form an extraction gaswith desirable homogeneity. An extraction gas mixture with a desirablehomogeneity may promote efficiency, accuracy, or precision during anextraction process. Premixing more than one primary extraction gas mayallow control over combined extraction gas characteristics such aspolarity, density, dielectric constant, and miscibility. Premixing mayalso occur externally to the system 100.

According to disclosed embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1, an outletof a storage vessel 102 may connect to an inlet of a dynamic extractionvessel 115, wherein a valve may regulate the flow of an extraction gas108 from the storage vessel 102 to the dynamic extraction vessel 115.The regulator may optionally supply and control delivery of an inertgas, if required, for an extraction method, wherein the inert gas maycomprise helium, argon, nitrogen, neon, carbon dioxide, xenon, krypton,or combinations thereof. The dynamic extraction vessel 115 may comprisean extraction chamber 110, a natural source, a pressure vessel 112, adrum rotator 130, a temperature adjusting control element, and aperforated drum 114. The extraction chamber 110 may be concentricallycontained within the pressure vessel 112. The perforated drum 114 may besubstantially cylindrical in shape and may be concentrically containedwithin the extraction chamber 110 and within the pressure vessel 112. Indisclosed embodiments, the extraction chamber 110, pressure vessel 112,and perforated drum 114 may be aligned about a principle axis 116. Theperforated drum 114 may be configured to rotate about the principle axis116. The drum rotator 130 may regulate the rotational velocity of theperforated drum 114 about the principle axis 116. The mechanical energyused in rotating the perforated drum 114 at a rotational velocity maydesirably permit mixing of an extraction medium with a natural source,which may increase the selectivity or efficiency of extracting anorganic compound from the natural source, a spent source, or acombination thereof.

An outlet of a dynamic extraction vessel 115 may connect to or be ingaseous communication with an air removal vessel 119, wherein thepressure or volume of an extraction gas 108 may be regulated by anevacuation vacuum pump 117. In disclosed embodiments, the evacuationvacuum pump 117 may evacuate the dynamic extraction vessel 115 of air,extraction gas 108, or moisture prior to extraction. Removing moisturefrom the dynamic extraction vessel 115 may desirably permit extractionsof organic compounds that may be sensitive to moisture or wherein thenatural source may be sensitive to moisture.

According to disclosed embodiments, a perforated drum 114 may comprisevanes 140, which may be disposed or arranged on one or more parts of anexternal surface of the perforated drum in proximity to the walls of theextraction chamber 110. Vanes 140 may advantageously permit theformation of recirculation cells between the inner wall of theextraction vessel 110 and the surface of the perforated drum 114 as thedrum rotates, which may increase heat transfer. Recirculation cells maydesirably enhance heat transfer to the inside of the extraction chamber110. In disclosed embodiments, the perforated drum 114 may comprise afiltering layer 132, which may desirably partially or substantiallyprevent a transfer of a natural source through the perforated drum 114,thereby increasing the efficiency or selectivity of the system 100.

In disclosed embodiments, a dynamic extraction vessel 115 may comprise arecirculation pump 152, wherein the recirculation pump 152 may enhancecirculation or recirculation of an extraction gas/liquid/supercriticalfluid mixture during an extraction process through the extractionchamber 110. During the recirculation, samples may be taken from theextraction fluid to perform an analysis on the extract. For example, theanalysis may comprise analyzing with a UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer, an FTIRspectrometer, a GC, an MS, a HPLC, an HPLC-MS, or a combination thereof.The system 100 according to FIG. 1 advantageously permits an analysis tobe performed in-line or by removing a sample during an extractionprocess. Recirculation may also enhance flow of the extraction gas 108through the extraction vessel 110.

As shown in FIG. 1, a dynamic extraction vessel 115 may comprise anacoustic transducer 144. The acoustic transducer 144 may advantageouslybe placed within the walls of the pressure vessel 112, which may permita high audio frequency penetration during an extraction process. Highaudio frequency penetration during an extraction process may desirablyincrease extraction efficiency or selectivity. Also, the high audiofrequency penetration may facilitate cleaning of the dynamic extractionvessel 115 during a cleaning process.

An inlet of a dynamic extraction vessel 115 may be connected to acleaning solution supply tank 107, wherein the flow of a cleaningsolution from the cleaning solution supply tank 107 to the dynamicextraction vessel 115 may be regulated by a cleaning solution supplypump 109. Cleaning solution supplied by the cleaning solution supplytank 107 may permit cleaning of a system 100 or the dynamic extractionvessel 115. Cleaning of the system 100 or the dynamic extraction vessel115 may desirably prolong the life or efficiency of the system 100 orthe dynamic extraction vessel 115. Cleaning of the system 100 or thedynamic extraction vessel 115 may advantageously reduce a risk ofdecomposition of organic compounds due to contact with a contaminant.

According to disclosed embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, an outlet of adynamic extraction vessel 115 may be connected to, in fluidcommunication, or in gaseous communication with an inlet of a sprayevaporation loop system 170. The spray evaporation loop system 170 maybe configured to receive a solute form the dynamic extraction vessel 115in a liquid, gaseous, or supercritical fluid form. The flow or pressureof a solute from the dynamic extraction vessel 115 to the sprayevaporation loop 170 may be regulated by a delivery pump 182. The sprayevaporation loop system 170 may desirably solidify an organic compoundor a defined mixture of organic compounds. In disclosed embodiments,solidification of an organic compound may desirably produce a pureorganic compound that may not need further purification (e.g.,chromatography). For example, recrystallization or solidification mayproduce a pure organic compound that is greater than about 85% pure, orgreater than about 90% pure, or greater than about 95% pure, or greaterthan about 98% pure, or greater than about 99% pure, by weight of thepure organic compound. The system 100 disclosed in FIG. 1 advantageouslypermits the spray evaporation loop system 170 to be configured to purifyor collect an extracted product in flow or in batch. Purifying in flowmay permit the scaling out of an extraction process.

In disclosed embodiments, an outlet of a spray evaporation loop system170 may be connected to an inlet of a product collection vessel 175. Anoutlet of the spray evaporation loop system 170 may be connected to aninlet of a gas dryer system 180. An outlet of a product collectionvessel 175 may be connected to an inlet of a dynamic extraction vessel115 or an inlet of the gas dryer filter 180. The gas dryer system 180may desirably recycle or purify an extraction gas 108 from the sprayevaporation loop system 170 or the product collection vessel 170, whichmay promote a dryer or more pure extraction product (i.e., organiccompound). Recycling of the extraction gas 108 may desirably reducewaste, increase yield efficiency, or increase cost efficiency of asystem 100. The extraction gas 108 may also be returned or recycled fromthe spray evaporation loop system 170 or the product collection vessel170 to the dynamic extraction vessel 115, wherein it may continue toextract organic compounds from a natural source. An outlet of the gasdryer system 180 may connect to an inlet of a compressor 176. Thecompressor may be connected to an inlet system 160 of the dynamicextraction vessel 115 or the inlet of a condenser 181 comprising achiller loop 183. The condenser 181 may desirably permit condensation ofthe extraction gas 108, which may permit recycling of the extraction gas108. An outlet of the condenser 181 may connect to an inlet of a storagevessel 102, wherein the storage vessel 102 may be configured to receivethe recycled extraction gas 108 from the condenser 181. The chiller loop183 may desirably permit the condensation of a broad range ofvolatilized extraction gases. In disclosed embodiments, having thecompressor 176 connect to the dynamic extraction vessel 115 mayadvantageously permit the recycling of the extraction gas 108 directlyinto the dynamic extraction vessel 115.

According to disclosed embodiments, FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200 forextracting organic products according to a specific example embodimentsof the disclosure. A system 200 may comprise a storage vessel 202, whichmay be configured to store an extraction gas in a phase, the phasecomprising a gas, a liquid, a supercritical fluid, or a combinationthereof. An outlet of the storage vessel 202 may connect to an inlet ofa dynamic extraction vessel 215, and optionally to an inlet of anevacuation pump 217. An outlet of the extraction liquid storage vesselmay connect to an inlet of the gas dryer system 280 comprising adesiccant assembly 261, which may advantageously permit purification ofor moisture removal from an extraction gas. In disclosed embodiments,removal of moisture from an extraction solvent and or system 200 maydesirably permit extraction of organic compounds that may be sensitiveto moisture. A diaphragm pump 278 or a compressor 276 may connect thegas dryer system 280 to the storage vessel 202, wherein the diaphragmpump 278 or the compressor 276 may regulate the flow of the extractiongas from the gas dryer system 280 to the storage vessel 202. An inlet ofthe storage vessel 202 may connect to an outlet of a condenser 281comprising a chiller 282, which may desirably permit condensation of theextraction gas recovered from various components of the system 200,which may permit recycling of the extraction gas by feeding the recycledextraction gas to the storage vessel 202, where it can be then used tocontinue extracting organic compounds from a natural source.

According to disclosed embodiments, an inlet of a dynamic extractionvessel 215 may connect to an outlet of a storage vessel 202. The dynamicextraction vessel 215 may connect to a vacuum pump 217 through a seriesof valves that serve as an air purge line that may desirably permitpressure regulation or extraction gas removal from the dynamicextraction vessel 215. The dynamic extraction vessel 215 may comprise anacoustic transducer 244 and may connect to the gas dryer system 280,wherein the extraction gas or a moisture rich extraction vapor may beremoved from the dynamic extraction vessel 215, and then purified ordried. An outlet of the dynamic extraction vessel may connect to anintermediate storage vessel 254. During a method for extracting anorganic compound from a natural source, once the concentration of anextractant (e.g., organic compound) within the extraction gas/solventhas reached a desirable concentration, a solute can then be transportedto the intermediate storage vessel 254, advantageously permitting theextraction gas/solvent recovery system to optionally operate independentof other components of the system 200. An outlet of the intermediatestorage vessel 254 may connect to an inlet of the gas dryer system 280,which may permit recycling of the extraction gas from the solute. Indisclosed embodiments, the intermediate storage vessel 254 may be usedto concentrate a solute, which may desirably permit isolation orrecrystallization in a spray evaporation loop system 270. An outlet ofthe intermediate storage vessel 254 may connect to an inlet or aninjection nozzle 271 of the spray evaporation loop system 270.

In disclosed embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, a spray evaporation loopsystem 270 may comprise a loop comprising a cyclone 272, at least onefilter 273, a blower 274, a heat exchanger 277, and a flash drum 276.Being configured in a loop may desirably promote system efficiency bypermitting extraction gas/solvent recycling as the extraction gas isremoved from a solute. Recycling may benefit system efficiency whilereducing exposure to an environment outside of a system 200. The sprayevaporation loop system 270 may connect to a gas dryer system 280, whichmay permit extraction gas purification so that recycled extraction gasdoes not convey impurities throughout the system 100. The heat exchanger277 may connect to a boiler system 290 comprising a loop of a boiler291, a pressure relief valve 292, a site gauge 293, a y-strainer 294, ataco pump 295, a de-aerator 296, and a water storage tank 297. A system200 comprising a boiler system 290 may desirably provide or exchangeheat throughout the system 200, which may promote extraction yield orselectivity. For example, in disclosed embodiments, providing heatduring an extraction process may increase a rate of extraction of anorganic compound from a natural source. A system 200 comprising a boilersystem 290 may desirably permit the volatilization or condensation ofthe extraction gas during recycling of the extraction gas. An outlet ofthe cyclone 272 may connect to an inlet of a product collection vessel275. In disclosed embodiments, an outlet of the product collectionvessel may connect to or be in gaseous communication with the gas dryersystem 280, wherein a 3-way solenoid 253 and a 2-way solenoid 251 mayregulate pressure or flow of an extraction gas from a product collectionvessel 275 to a gas dryer system 280. Having the gas dryer system 280connected to the product collection vessel 275 may desirably permitdrying or continued purification of the organic compound extracted fromthe natural source.

The various methods and techniques described above provide a number ofways to carry out the application. Of course, it is to be understoodthat not necessarily all objectives or advantages described can beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein.Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that themethods can be performed in a manner that achieves or optimizes oneadvantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarilyachieving other objectives or advantages as taught or suggested herein.For example, a system (e.g., FIG. 1, 100; FIG. 2, 200) for extractingorganic compound from a natural source may be configured for a bench topscale, a pilot plant scale, a plant scale, or a combination thereof. Avariety of alternatives are mentioned herein. It is to be understoodthat some preferred embodiments specifically include one, another, orseveral features, while others specifically exclude one, another, orseveral features, while still others mitigate a particular feature byinclusion of one, another, or several advantageous features.

Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the applicability ofvarious features from different embodiments. Similarly, the variouselements, features and steps discussed above, as well as other knownequivalents for each such element, feature or step, can be employed invarious combinations by one of ordinary skill in this art to performmethods in accordance with the principles described herein. Among thevarious elements, features, and steps some will be specifically includedand others specifically excluded in diverse embodiments.

Although the application has been disclosed in the context of certainembodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that the embodiments of the application extend beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments oruses and modifications and equivalents thereof.

In disclosed embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, properties such extraction conditions, temperatures,pressures, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodimentsof the application are to be understood as being modified in someinstances by the term “about” or “substantially”. For example, “about”or “substantially” can indicate ±1%, ±2%, ±3%, ±4%, ±5%, ±6%, ±7%, ±8%,±9%, ±10%, ±11, %, ±12%, ±13%, ±14%, ±15%, or ±20% variation of thevalue it describes, unless otherwise stated. Accordingly, in disclosedembodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the writtendescription and attached claims are approximations that can varydepending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by aparticular embodiment. In disclosed embodiments, the numericalparameters are construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scopeof disclosed embodiments of the application are approximations, thenumerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported asprecisely as practicable.

In disclosed embodiments, the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similarreferences used in the context of describing a particular embodiment ofthe application (especially in the context of certain of the followingclaims) can be construed to cover both the singular and the plural. Therecitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (for example, “such as”) provided withrespect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to betterilluminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the scopeof the application otherwise claimed. No language in the specificationshould be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential tothe practice of the application.

Preferred embodiments of this application are described herein,including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out theapplication. Variations on those preferred embodiments will becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. It is contemplated that skilled artisans canemploy such variations as appropriate, and the application can bepracticed otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly,many embodiments of this application include all modifications andequivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended heretoas permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of theabove-described elements in all possible variations thereof isencompassed by the application unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Each of the patents, patent applications, publications of patentapplications, and other material, such as articles, books,specifications, publications, documents, things, or the like, referencedherein are hereby incorporated herein by this reference in theirentirety for all purposes, excepting any prosecution file historyassociated with same, any of same that is inconsistent with or inconflict with the present document, or any of same that may have alimiting effect as to the broadest scope of the claims now or laterassociated with the present document. By way of example, should there beany inconsistency or conflict between the description, definition, orthe use of a term associated with any of the incorporated material andthat associated with the present document, the description, definition,or the use of the term in the present document shall prevail.

Computer processors may encompass any types of computing machinery forrunning instances including hardware (such as servers, clients,mainframe computers, networks, network storage, data sources, memory,central processing unit time, scientific instruments, and othercomputing devices), as well as software, software licenses, availablenetwork services, and other non-hardware resources, or a combinationthereof.

Various computer elements have been illustrated herein as singlecomputer servers or machines, such elements may operate over severaldifferent physical machines, or they may be combined as operating codeinstances running on a single physical machine. The claims in thepresent application comprehend such variation in physical machineconfiguration. Program memory associated with a computer processor mayinclude internal or external programs to the processor, and it may bedynamic, static, volatile, and nonvolatile memory.

Words of comparison, measurements, and timing such as a “at the time,”“equivalent,” “during,” “compete,” and the like should be understood tomean “substantially at the time,” “substantially equivalent,”“substantially during,” “substantially complete,” etc., where“substantially” mean as that such comparisons, measurements, and timingsare practicable to accomplish the implicitly or expressly stated desiredresult.

In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of theapplication disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of theembodiments of the application. Other modifications that can be employedcan be within the scope of the application. Thus, by way of example, butnot of limitation, alternative configurations of the embodiments of theapplication can be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein.Accordingly, embodiments of the present application are not limited tothat precisely as shown and described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for extracting an organic compound froma natural source, the system comprising: (a) a computer processoroperational to control the system; (b) a storage vessel configured tostore an extraction gas, the storage vessel comprising a storage vesseloutlet, wherein the storage vessel is in electrical communication withthe computer processor; (c) a valve in electrical communication with thecomputer processor, the valve comprising a valve inlet and a valveoutlet, wherein the valve inlet connects to the storage vessel outlet;(d) a dynamic extraction vessel in electrical communication with thecomputer processor, the dynamic extraction vessel comprising: (i) apressure vessel; (ii) an extraction chamber concentrically containedwithin the pressure vessel; (iii) a perforated drum configured to rotateabout a principal axis of the perforated drum, wherein the perforateddrum is substantially cylindrical in shape, and wherein the perforateddrum is concentrically contained within the extraction chamber; (iv) adrum rotator; (v) a first dynamic extraction vessel inlet connected tothe valve outlet; (vi) a first dynamic extraction vessel outlet; (vii) asensor for monitoring the extraction process; and (viii) a naturalsource receptacle configured to receive the natural source; and (e) aspray evaporation loop system in electrical communication with thecomputer processor and configured to receive a solute from the dynamicextraction vessel, the spray evaporation loop system comprising: (i) aninjection nozzle, the injection nozzle comprising an injection nozzleinlet connected to the first dynamic extraction vessel outlet; (ii) acyclonic separator in electrical communication with the computerprocessor.
 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: (f) acomputer processor interface for receiving the sensor signal and forreceiving control signals from the computer processor; (g) a chemicaldetection system; (h) a heat exchanger in thermal communication with thedynamic extraction vessel and the spray evaporation loop, wherein theheat exchanger is configured to condense the extraction gas, volatilizean extraction gas, or a combination thereof; and (i) a cleaning systemin fluid communication with the dynamic extraction vessel and the sprayevaporation loop system, wherein the cleaning system comprises acleaning solution supply tank, pressure sensors, chemical sensors,moisture sensors, temperature sensors, or a combination thereof.
 3. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the storage vessel is configured tostore the extraction gas in a liquid state, wherein the extraction gasis in a gaseous state at a pressure of about 14.6 psig and at atemperature of about 20° C.
 4. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe dynamic extraction vessel is configured to receive the extractiongas in a phase comprising a gaseous phase, a liquid phase, asupercritical fluid phase, or a combination thereof.
 5. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the extraction chamber comprises atextured interior surface configured to agitate the natural sourceduring an extraction process
 6. The system according to claim 5, whereinthe textured interior surface comprises a scalloped interior surface. 7.The system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic extraction vesselfurther comprises a acoustic transducer, wherein the acoustic transduceris configured to operate at an ultrasonic frequency of greater thanabout 20 kHz.
 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the perforateddrum comprises a vane.
 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein thevane comprises a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy, a steel, a micro-alloysteel, a steel alloy, or a combination thereof.
 10. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein the perforated drum comprises a filtering layer,wherein the filtering layer comprises a polymer, a polypropylene, ametal, a metal alloy, a steel, a micro-alloy steel, a steel alloy, atitanium, a nickel alloy, or a combination thereof.
 11. The systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the filtering layer further comprises athickness from about 0.01 cm to about 1.4 cm.
 12. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein the drum rotator is configured to permit theperforated drum to rotate about the principal axis at an angularvelocity comprising from about 10 revolutions per minute to about 400revolutions per minute.
 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein thedrum rotator comprises a motor, a servo motor, an internal combustionmotor, a gear motor, a switch reluctance motor, a hybrid stepper motor,an electrical motor, a hydraulically powered motor, a magnetic motor, apermanent magnet DC motor, a torque motor, a cage and wound rotorinduction motor, an electrically excited motor, an ironless or corelessrotor motor, a brush DC motor, a synchronous AC motor, an induction ACmotor, a single phase AC motor, a three phase AC motor, a brushless DCmotor, or a combination thereof.
 14. The system according to claim 1,wherein the drum rotator comprises a hydraulic pump, an accumulatortank, and a pressure sensor.
 15. The system according to claim 1,wherein the perforated drum comprises an inside diameter from about 0.4m to about 4 m, an outside diameter from about 0.41 m to about 4.2 m,and a length from about 0.1 m to about 8 m.
 16. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the dynamic extraction vessel further comprises atemperature adjusting means comprising a passive thermal control system,an active thermal control system, a condenser, a chiller loop, or acombination thereof.
 17. The system according to claim 1, wherein thepressure vessel comprises a turbulent boundary layer enhancement device,wherein the turbulent boundary layer enhancement device is configured totransfer heat from a wall of the pressure vessel to a wall of theperforated drum.
 18. The system according to claim 1, wherein thecomputer processor comprises a cloud based controlling system, aprogrammable logic controller, a feedback control system, an on-offcontrol system, a linear control system, a fuzzy logic control system,or a combination thereof.
 19. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe computer processor comprises a programmable processing unit, amemory, a random-access memory, a network interface controller, amotherboard, an input device, and an output device, wherein theprocessor is configured to monitor and control the system for extractingthe organic compound from the natural source.
 20. The system accordingto claim 2, wherein the chemical detection system comprises anultra-violet-visible-near infrared spectrometer, a fourier transforminfrared spectrometer, a time of flight mass spectrometer, a singlequadruple mass spectrometer, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometryinstrument, a high-performance liquid chromatograph, a gaschromatograph, a high-performance liquid chromatography massspectrometer, or a combination thereof.